Book 2 (2) – Born on Third Base

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To reiterate, Chuck Collins was born into a wealthy and privileged family – and, at 26, gave up his trust fund due to the immense guilt he felt, seeing that he was the beneficiary of the wealth of no efforts of his own. He felt free, but over time, Collins recognized that giving away his wealth did not make him less privileged. He already had an excellent education and the assurance that he was the beneficiary of other privileges.

Using his experience during a vacation, Colins describes privilege quite well. During a road biking session, Collins was doing 25 mph effortlessly, and when he passed the 10-mile marker, he decided to go to the next. At 20 miles, he turned around and found himself facing a headwind. After a few hard miles, he gave up, exhausted, and called for others to come to rescue him. He says, "the subtle wind has probably been constant, but I had not noticed it before….Privilege is like a wind at my back, propelling me forward. Of course, I am pedaling so I can claim some credit for my forward motion, but the wind makes an enormous difference. And here I thought it was all about me." His anecdote clearly explains our privileges, which are often unnoticed until we lose them. Being able to experience both sides of the spectrum, I have a different perspective on privilege than Collins. On one hand, being born into a wealthy lifestyle certainly brings immense comfort and gives us access to quality education, resources, and countless job opportunities. But on the other hand, it also makes us believe that all of our success comes from our efforts alone, and leaves us in a vulnerable state that builds terrible habits, such as complacency and overconfidence. Using Chuck's example, riding a road bike against headwinds will be challenging at first, much like being born without privileges. However, after a few trials, we develop core strengths, competencies, and mental toughness that will propel us forward. And once the headwind subsides, the rider riding against the headwind, much like the un-privileges, is at a clear advantage as opposed to the rider riding with the wind in the back. So, there are privileges to both sides; one is more appealing than the other. Nonetheless, there are pros and cons to both sides. Despite my overly simplified example that may only apply in a competitive setting, many other variables make this a serious issue in our society, including race, poverty, and access to medical care. There is no one-size-fits-all answer to the issue, as the best way to combat the issue may vary depending on the individual's location. Collins approach may be extreme, though he is able to begin the conversation, and for that i admire him. However, some other tips for combating the issue include becoming aware of our privileges, being active in fighting discriminatory practices, and speaking out against them when encountered. Additionally, it is essential to remember that this issue is not absolute; it can be removed through education over time.