Chapter 1: The Weight of Privilege

Often, we hear the phrase, "It's easy for you to say that from your privilege." This remark can trigger a defensive reaction, leading us to dismiss the speaker as merely another voice of the so-called woke generation. I have experienced this myself during conversations where such comments arise. A few years ago, during a late-night gathering with friends, one of them casually remarked, "It's easy for you to say, of course, from your privilege." At that moment, I felt the urge to respond with disdain, thinking, “Typical progressive.” But why does this phrase stick with me? It got me reflecting on the meaning of being "progressive," a term that has seemingly taken on a negative connotation over time.

In this discussion, I want to share my personal anecdotes regarding the evolution of the internet and how my experiences shape my understanding of privilege. I grew up in Chihuahua, Mexico, a city that embodies a blend of cultures due to its proximity to the U.S. I consider the years from 2006 to 2016 as the internet's golden age, a time when my friends and I absorbed American content that significantly influenced us. During this period, atheism, liberal ideologies, and progressive views gained popularity online, especially in the context of our studies in Physics Engineering from 2010 to 2014.

We adopted a worldview where science was our guiding principle, often dismissing differing opinions as ignorance. This unwavering belief in science, while initially empowering, became increasingly dogmatic. The scientific method, a tool meant for discovery and problem-solving, turned into an ideology itself. Many embraced this mindset without grasping the complexities it entails, leading to a culture that often glorified "facts" without critical analysis.

As time passed, the ideologies we once revered began to morph into something radical. This new wave of "rational" thinkers started to make unsubstantiated claims about life and the universe, echoing sentiments akin to religious beliefs. The beauty of science, which should be rooted in curiosity and evidence, became overshadowed by dogma. The words "progress," "liberal thought," and "critical thinking" lost their original meanings, transforming into labels that carried negative connotations.

Section 1.1: The True Meaning of Progress

To understand our current discourse, we must revisit the definition of progress: moving forward, improving, and advancing toward betterment. Language is crucial; it is our most potent tool for reasoning and communication. We must differentiate between genuine progress and its distorted versions.

Imagine a society where being called "progressive" is an insult. This new narrative equates progress with radicalism, suppressing individual thoughts in favor of a homogenized script dictated by a self-proclaimed open-minded group.

Chapter 2: Reflection and Realization

The first video, Your Privilege Is Showing | Lillian Medville | TEDxBeaconStreet, delves into the nuances of privilege and how it shapes our perspectives.

As I navigated these ideological waters, I realized that my own views had shifted dramatically. I had once fervently debated and corrected others, but as time passed, I found myself increasingly resistant to engaging in similar discussions. I had become what I once criticized, losing my openness to differing ideas.

The second video, Check Your Perspective, Not Your Privilege | Rachel West | TEDxNorthCentralCollege, encourages viewers to examine their perspectives on privilege and societal dynamics.

The concept of privilege became personal to me when I faced profound loss. I lost my mother and father within a short period, followed by my sister's tragic passing. These experiences reshaped my understanding of privilege, revealing how deeply intertwined it is with family and support systems.

In the midst of my grief, I recognized that the true privilege lies in having a loving family, something I had previously taken for granted. As I reflected on my relationships with friends whose parents were divorced, I began to empathize with their struggles and frustrations. The reality is that many people carry invisible burdens, and we must acknowledge that everyone possesses some form of privilege, even if we cannot see it.

Ultimately, resentment toward others' privileges is counterproductive. It distracts us from addressing the real issues of suffering and inequality in our world. The systems we often criticize have, in many ways, created the comfort we enjoy today.

We must acknowledge that progress is a collective achievement, built on the sacrifices of those before us. As we move forward, it is essential to engage in critical thinking, reasoned discussions, and a genuine understanding of our shared humanity. Only then can we reclaim the true essence of progress and work towards a better future for all.

Thank you for taking the time to engage with these thoughts and reflections. Yes, I share this perspective from my own privilege, and I hope it can inspire meaningful conversations.