Born into Privilege, A Lottery Ticket for America

Is it being born a white, cisgender male in America? It’s like hitting the jackpot—a lottery win with unearned advantages. Let’s be honest: this isn’t up for debate; it’s just how things are. The privileges tied to this identity mean smoother access to opportunities, extra leniency when things go sideways, and a safety net that others don’t get. It’s essential to admit there’s no merit in being born into privilege—it’s just where the dice land. But in today’s political climate, the perks of this privilege are glaringly evident in the support for Donald Trump—a choice that practically screams entitlement.

A Legacy of Unearned Advantage

Let’s rewind a bit. Historically, America has been anything but level. Take the G.I. Bill of 1944. It was supposed to be a game-changer for veterans, and it was—for white service members. Black veterans? Not so much, thanks to discriminatory policies that locked them out of benefits. And then there was redlining, a practice that systematically shut Black families out of homeownership and left generational wealth gaps that we’re still dealing with today. Fast forward, and you’ve got studies showing that white Americans are 50% more likely to get job callbacks than equally qualified Black candidates. This isn’t just ancient history; these inequities ripple through our society right now.

Being white and male in this environment often means inheriting a structure that, intentionally or not, tips the scales in your favor. Nobody picks their race or gender at birth, but let’s not pretend these traits don’t shape outcomes. Sure, plenty of white men have used their privilege to make the world better, but let’s not ignore the darker side—a refusal by some to acknowledge their advantage, confusing privilege with hard-earned success.

Trump and the Politics of Privilege

Enter Donald Trump, stage right. His rise has been fueled by turning this denial into a rallying cry, painting privilege as if it’s somehow under attack. His rhetoric taps into the fear that equality means taking something away from those who’ve historically had the upper hand. And, surprise, this resonates deeply with a lot of white Americans—especially men—who see calls for equity as a zero-sum game.

During his presidency, Trump’s policies, like rolling back fair housing protections and chipping away at affirmative action, weren’t just subtle nudges toward inequality—they were blatant reinforcements of it. His appeal? It wasn’t about detailed policies (let’s be honest, policies were never his strong suit) but his ability to validate the grievances of those feeling threatened by societal shifts.

The Responsibility of Privilege

Here’s the thing about privilege: it’s not inherently wrong, but what you do with it matters. It’s not about feeling guilty; it’s about being accountable. Voting, for instance, isn’t just about protecting your slice of the pie—it’s about looking at the bigger picture and moving us all forward. Clinging to privilege at the expense of others isn’t strength—it’s a refusal to grow.

So, what can we do? First, we need to ditch the myth that merit alone dictates success. Spoiler: it doesn’t. Then, we need to lean into those tough conversations about privilege, even when it’s uncomfortable (especially when it’s painful). And finally, we need to support leaders working toward inclusivity and fairness. It’s not rocket science—it’s just the right thing to do.

Rising to the Challenge

Being born into privilege isn’t an achievement; it’s a responsibility. Left unchecked, it can harm others, but when acknowledged, it can be a powerful tool for change. The challenge lies in stepping up—using privilege to dismantle barriers, not reinforce them. Voting for leaders who stand for equity is the absolute baseline for building a fairer society.

America’s greatness doesn’t come from guarding privilege like it’s the last slice of pizza. It comes from creating opportunities for everyone to thrive. As another election looms, the choice couldn’t be more apparent: we can stick with the status quo, or we can push for leaders who are ready to expand the promise of this country to all of us—not just a lucky few.

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