The Cost of Privilege
Everyone likes to talk about privileges, but few discuss the responsibilities that come with them. A father often has more privileges in the household because he bears more of the burden than the mother. A mother works hard, and her role is undeniably important in society. However, if her man is capable, she doesn’t have to face the outside world as much. It’s a man’s job to shape the future of his children and his wife, ensuring their well-being even if he were to die.
A king may have more privileges, but he also bears the brunt of responsibility—facing the world, his people, and posterity if he makes a mistake. If you're a king in France, you could even face beheading (hint: the French Revolution). Here’s a trick we’ve missed in this peacetime era—privileges are never bestowed; they are earned. If you think someone is privileged, look into their past, not just their life but their ancestors' lives as well.
To narrow the scale from world history to everyday life, observe someone in your family or surroundings who takes on the most responsibility. Who ensures the bills are paid on time? Who makes sure the lights stay on, the wifi works, and the people in the house are free to discuss politics? Because someone is taking on that burden, others can relax.
Imagine the absence of such a person and the perks that come with their presence.
If, in your imagination, your world crumbles, then that person is important. His decisions can impact the future of your family, and his absence could destroy it. He needs a support system to function effectively. It is the family’s duty to build and provide that support system so he can deliver the future to you.
In isolation, the support system may look like privilege, but it is the product of responsibilities. He is accountable for it. Responsibilities bring accountability, which then results in privileges. Even democracies function in the same manner. You want to give power to someone who can fulfill your desires and take your country to the promised future. For that, we bestow them with power and the privileges that come with it—like heightened security, better pay, a luxury house, and many others. When they fail, we take away their job.
People who only focus on male privileges miss the accountability that comes with them. Men literally have no privileges if they fail to shoulder responsibilities. Sometimes, even when they do, they receive nothing. If they don’t make money, they get no women, no respect in the house, no friends to back them, and no government support.
When these men succeed in life, they become a valuable entity. They are in a position to provide and, in return, command privileges like virtuous women who can provide them with children.
A virtuous woman, in turn, gets a husband who will secure her future. She will never have to worry about the world outside. Not having to worry about your future is a privilege for a woman that only comes because she is accountable for her character.
Privileges are earned by shouldering responsibilities and being accountable for them.