Does every "have" create an offense for a "have not"? I'm not talking class warfare here I'm merely suggesting that some people are blessed with things that others are not. Certainly, the lack of a blessing can be compensated for, although sadly, it cannot always be negated.
If you are poor and economically diadvantaged then greater opportunity can help compensate you for lack of blessing. No compensation can retroactively remove poverty that has already been suffered.
No compensation can take back the physical disadvantage, abuse, neglect, loss of loved ones, rape, bigotry or hatred that may have been aimed at us. We suffer, and hopefully time and a better life salves the wounds.
I had siblings growing up, I had cousins and I had the blessing of a middle class upbringing. Around this time of year we would begin to think about what we would get "under the tree". After the gifts were opened, inevitably, we would start comparing our "haul". Some kids got NES systems and others got more sweaters with arms that were too long. Did we start to compare our "blessings"? You bet. It even brought class consciousness down to the family level. Did it make any of us feel good? Not exactly. (Like when the kid with the new NES was so happy that he got it that he had to show it off but then didn't want to share it). What did the comparison of blessings in this light get us? Division.
My blessings, my privilege, does not stem from anyone elses lack of blessing. The fact that I'm visually impaired doesn't mean that I have granted you the status of being "sight privileged", not does the fact of my wifes 5 miscarriages make those who have children "progeny privileged". You may have the blessing, the privilege even, of those things however my lack doesn't define YOUR blessing.
I hope that others are sensitive to my disadvantages, that they do not interfere with my opportunties to fairly compensate for my lack. Where that happens it is wrong (categorically) but that is a different issue than who is blessed or who is "privileged". I often get angry when I see neglected and abused children of those who are "progeny privileged", I've even tried to point out to people how they should appreciate what they have (pretty damned fruitless enterprise that is). What good does holding that bitter pill do for me? None, I just get angry and have to cram that emotion every time I bump into those folks. At the end of the day I have to say they are blessed and I am not, those are the breaks and be thankful that I am not in a position to be neglegient or abusive with my own children (seeing as how I saw some of that).
Clearly, there are disadvantages built into the fabric of our society do to race, class, gender, and every other human attribute imaginable. Being aware of this is essential to us making every opportunity available for the disadvantaged to compensate for their lack. Ignorance of this inherent injustice only perpetuates it and supports it. Awareness of it is only the first step though, after which we do need to work for a more just society. Equivalency, and a qualitative and quantitative comparison of blessings and lack amonst the underprivileged is a recipe for only more division.
Bottom line, we are not infinitely privileged to be alive because someone else is dead. We are privileged to be alive and be afforded the time to heal (hopefully in a more just society where salt is not continually rubbed into our wounds).
P.S. I have been guilty of "food fighting" on some other diaries. If I have offended you with my insensitivity please accept my apologies, and please accept this diary in that spirit. Thanks.