Understanding Privilege: Lessons from Growing Up Middle-Class
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Chapter 1: My Upbringing
I had a relatively comfortable life, but it was not without its challenges. Growing up in a middle-class household, my father served as a junior military officer, which meant frequent relocations that often left us struggling financially. My grandparents prioritized education, allowing me to attend private school, but my classmates often seemed oblivious to the realities of life.
The experience of living in military housing for a year was particularly telling. While we had no rent or mortgage, the accommodations were cramped. In that community, respect was paramount. Disrespecting a parent was simply not tolerated, a lesson I learned early on. It was a shock to witness a wealthy peer speaking harshly to his mother without any repercussions.
"Toys don't grow on trees" was a saying that echoed in our home.
Section 1.1: Value of Belongings
Respect for our possessions was ingrained in us. A new Nintendo console was treated with utmost care; it was not something we could afford to replace easily. In stark contrast, my affluent classmates seemed to take their belongings for granted, often breaking things without a second thought.
Subsection 1.1.1: The Impact of Privilege
As I grew older, I observed a disturbing trend: children of the wealthy often found themselves in trouble, often due to their own bragging on social media. One example involved a young man who boasted about a lavish yacht while his father was struggling to pay off substantial tax debts.
In my own upbringing, such indulgences were rare. Our vacations consisted of long drives to see family, sharing cramped spaces with my sister and our dog. Yet, I never felt deprived; my parents instilled a sense of gratitude that shielded me from envy.
Section 1.2: Chores and Work Ethic
Living in the Philippines at a young age profoundly affected my outlook on life. I was friends with a boy who shared a modest home with his mother and siblings. While I had numerous toys, he had just two. This disparity became more pronounced as I entered middle school, where peers expected to receive payment for simple chores.
I vividly remember one incident during soccer practice when the coach, a hardworking electrician, was dismayed to hear what kids were paid for mowing lawns. The disparity was staggering—while some received $30 for mowing a small yard, others labored in harsh conditions just to survive.
Chapter 2: Consequences of Wealth
The first video discusses the sacrifices made by individuals who abandoned certain comforts to achieve wealth, highlighting the value of hard work and perseverance.
In my observations, there were two types of wealthy children: those from newly successful families and those from families with longstanding wealth. The former often exhibited admirable qualities, such as politeness and ambition, while the latter could be entitled and irresponsible.
One glaring example of this entitlement was a girl in my high school who stole printing paper from the school store. Her expulsion meant little, as her father made a generous donation to ensure she was accepted into another prestigious school.
One infamous case that comes to mind is Ethan Couch, a teenager who caused a tragic accident while under the influence. His lawyers argued that he suffered from "affluenza," a misguided notion that suggests privilege can shield one from accountability. This absurdity underscores the need for parents to instill genuine values in their children.
The Takeaway: Fostering Gratitude
The United States is home to millions of millionaires, and it’s crucial for those with wealth to reflect on the lessons they impart to their children. Spoiling children can have long-term detrimental effects on society. Many of the privileged youth I encountered have struggled as adults, unable to navigate the real world.
I remain committed to practicing gratitude, a simple yet effective way to enhance contentment. While I may never attain vast wealth, I recognize my own blessings and will continue to appreciate them.
The second video illustrates the profound impact of surrounding oneself with successful individuals, shedding light on the importance of relationships in achieving personal and financial growth.
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