Minh Tran
It’s easy to miss the subtle behaviors that can make privileged individuals seem detached from reality, especially if you’re not looking for them.
Sure, we all have moments where we’re a bit out of touch. But for those who’ve always lived in a bubble of privilege, this disconnection can be more pronounced and frequent.
I’m not here to point fingers or judge. Instead, I want to shed light on these behaviors – not to shame anyone but rather to foster understanding and empathy.
So let’s explore seven subtle behaviors that might indicate someone is living in a privileged bubble, blissfully unaware of the realities faced by others.
This isn’t about blame, but about growing and learning together.
Stick around; you might be surprised by what you discover.
1) Unconscious entitlement
One of the most glaring signs of privilege is an unconscious sense of entitlement.
This isn’t about being intentionally arrogant, but rather a subtle belief that certain things should just be a certain way.
This entitlement often manifests in expectations: expecting to always have the best, expecting others to cater to their needs without reciprocation, or even expecting that their opinions should hold more weight simply because of their privileged position.
The key here is that this behavior is often unconscious. Privileged individuals may not even realize they’re doing it.
It’s not necessarily malicious, but rather a byproduct of living in a world that continually reinforces their importance and value above others.
Remember, acknowledgment is the first step towards improvement. Recognizing these behaviors in ourselves or others can open the door to greater empathy and understanding.
2) Lack of financial awareness
One time, I was out with a friend who is considerably wealthier than me.
We were in a bookstore and she picked up a hardcover book that was priced at $50. Without batting an eye, she said, “Oh, this is cheap!”
To her, $50 for a book was pocket change. But for me, and many others, $50 could constitute an entire week’s grocery budget.
This lack of financial awareness is another subtle sign of privilege.
It’s not about being uncaring or ostentatious; it’s simply not understanding the value of money in the same way that someone who has had to count every penny does.
It’s a clear example of how privilege can disconnect people from the everyday realities that many others face.
It’s easy to forget that not everyone has the same financial safety net, and this small incident was a stark reminder for me.
3) Over-dependence on conveniences
Privileged people often have the luxury of convenience at their fingertips. From food delivery services to private transportation, these conveniences are viewed as everyday norms.
But let’s consider this: According to a United Nations report, about 2.2 billion people around the world do not have access to safely managed drinking water services, and 4.2 billion go without safe sanitation services.
This stark contrast highlights how privileged individuals might overlook the luxuries they have and take them for granted.
They may not realize that what they perceive as a basic necessity is, in fact, a privilege that many people around the globe do not enjoy.
This disconnect can make them seem out of touch with the struggles and hardships faced by less privileged communities.
Understanding this can help foster a greater appreciation for our conveniences and perhaps even inspire efforts to bridge these disparities.
4) Limited perspective on struggle
Privileged individuals often have a limited perspective on struggle.
This isn’t to say that they don’t face difficulties or challenges; rather, their struggles tend to be different and less tied to basic survival.
For example, someone with privilege might stress about a promotion at work or a dip in their investment portfolio.
However, they rarely have to worry about how to feed their family or keep a roof over their heads.
This limited perspective can make it difficult for privileged individuals to truly empathize with those who are less fortunate.
They may unintentionally minimize others’ hardships, simply because they haven’t personally experienced them.
Recognizing this behavior can serve as a catalyst for growth and understanding, fostering a more compassionate and inclusive mindset.
5) Insensitivity towards privilege
I remember a conversation I once had with a close family member.
We were discussing the challenges faced by underprivileged communities, and he casually dismissed the conversation saying, “They should just work harder”.
It stung. I couldn’t help but feel that his comment was insensitive and showed a lack of understanding about how privilege works.
It’s not about working harder; it’s about having access to opportunities, resources, and support systems that many people simply don’t.
This conversation reminded me of how easy it is for privileged individuals to overlook their advantages.
Sometimes, they may even attribute their successes solely to their efforts, discounting the systemic factors that have played a role in their achievements.
Let’s strive to be more mindful of these blind spots.
It’s not about guilt, but about understanding that privilege is a societal issue and acknowledging it can be a step towards creating a more equitable world.
6) Disconnection from nature
In our fast-paced, technology-driven world, many privileged individuals live in urban environments, disconnected from the natural world.
This disconnect can lead to a lack of understanding or appreciation for nature and its vital role in our well-being and survival.
Think about it: When was the last time you truly interacted with nature?
Not just a stroll in a manicured park, but genuinely connecting with the wild – observing wildlife, feeling the soil beneath your feet, listening to the wind rustle through the trees.
When we’re disconnected from nature, it’s easy to overlook the importance of preserving our environment.
We may fail to see how our daily actions contribute to climate change or how our consumption patterns affect biodiversity.
Reconnecting with nature can ground us in reality and remind us of our role in the larger ecosystem.
It can instill a sense of responsibility to protect and respect the environment – a crucial step towards sustainable living.
7) Lack of diverse interactions
The most significant factor that can make privileged individuals seem out of touch is the lack of diverse interactions in their lives.
If you’re only spending time with people who look like you, think like you, and live like you, it’s challenging to understand the experiences of those who don’t.
Diversity isn’t just about race or ethnicity. It’s about socio-economic status, educational background, abilities, sexual orientation, religion, and so much more.
Engaging with a diverse range of individuals broadens our understanding of the world.
This isn’t about tokenism or ticking off boxes. It’s about genuine connections and mutual respect.
It’s about listening to others’ stories and learning from their experiences—because there’s no better way to broaden your worldview than by stepping into someone else’s shoes.
Final thoughts: Privilege as a lens
The idea of privilege isn’t about inducing guilt or shame. It’s a lens to view our society, to understand the invisible barriers that many face, and to acknowledge the systemic advantages that others enjoy.
Remembering the words of author James Baldwin, “Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced.”
These subtle behaviors we’ve explored are not inherent faults; they’re manifestations of a system that has been skewed for generations.
By recognizing them, we challenge ourselves to step out of our comfort zones and question our perspectives.
As we do this, we become more empathetic, more aware, and better equipped to contribute towards a more equitable society.
Be it through fostering diverse interactions or appreciating the luxuries we often take for granted, every step counts.
And it starts with each one of us, reflecting and questioning our own realities. Because when privilege is checked, humanity is served.
