Although some people complain about the supply chain issues in stores and increasing inflation, I remind myself that I am blessed with abundance. From Earth’s Population Statistics in Perspective, Dr. Scout Cloud Lee shared statistics about the world’s population that caused me to wonder and think.
The population of Earth is around 7.8 billion. If this figure is condensed into 100 persons, the statistics are easier to comprehend.
Out of 100:
11 are in Europe
5 in North America
9 in South America
15 in Africa
60 in Asia.
49 live in the countryside
51 live in cities.
12 speak Chinese
5 speak Spanish
5 speak English
3 speak Arabic
3 speak Hindi
3 speak Bengali
3 speak Portuguese
2 speak Russian
2 speak Japanese
62 speak their own language.
Out of 100:
77 have their own dwellings
23 have no place to live.
21 are over-nourished
63 can eat full
15 are under-nourished
1 ate the last meal but did not make it to the next meal.
The daily cost of living for 48 is less than 2 US Dollars.
87 have clean drinking water
13 either lack clean drinking water or have a polluted water source.
75 have mobile phones
25 do not.
Out of 100:
30 have internet access
70 do not have the availability to go online.
7 received university education
93 did not attend college.
83 can read
17 are illiterate.
33 are Christians
22 are Muslims
14 are Hindus
7 are Buddhists
12 are other religions
12 have no religious beliefs.
26 live less than 14 years
66 died between 15 – 64 years of age
8 are over 65 years old.
Lee concluded that if you have your own home, eat full meals and drink clean water, have a mobile phone, can surf the internet, and have gone to college, and I would add have lived to Medicare age, you are in a small, privileged group (in the less than 7% category).
A privilege is an entitlement granted to a group or person, either by birth or on a conditional basis, and can change. By contrast, a right is irrevocable and inherently held by all human beings. Many privileges I enjoy such as education, healthy food, and leisure ought to be fundamentally available to all as their rights. As these statistics indicate, this social justice does not currently exist.
My status allows me to live a comfortable life, despite daily inconveniences. During this time of the year, I am deeply aware of the gratitude I feel for my earned and unearned privilege.
Wow, Karla, just wow. Thanks for putting our privileged life into context.
I certainly am among the privileged few. I know it and feel lucky! Thanks, Karla.
Karla,
The question, for me at least, is what obligations come with privilege other than recognizing one is an undeserving beneficiary of it. In our literature, I am often left with the impression that I should feel guilty about my privilege, or that I should somehow “give it up.” The problem for me is that I cannot escape the skin that defines me as an old white, privileged male. I was born male, I was born white, and I was born privileged. And, “to add insult to injury,” I was born in the United States. By definition, I am grouped into that male dominated hegemonic class that has ruled the world for many think is way too long.
I am at a loss for what tangible things I can do to beyond what I have tried to do over the years within my sphere of influence to recognize my privilege and to assist others in various ways to elevate their prospects in life. Increasingly, I find it hard to feel good about myself. I am not asking for reassurance here that I’m an okay guy. I’m just saying. Oh well, we keep on keeping on.
Best wishes for the holdiays
I share that feeling of guilt sometimes. I don’t think we should apologize for our privilege but I do think it is important to always acknowledge it, be grateful for our circumstances, and do what we can to help others gain some of that privilege. I think we do what we can do in our lives–you and I have written about it and I am sure that has made some difference in how some people think. For me right now, it is acknowledging the gratitude I feel for my life. I hope you and Kathy have a great holiday and that we will be able to sit down and talk about some of these things in person in 2022.
Very nice post. I just stumbled upon your blog and wished to say that I’ve really enjoyed browsing your blog posts. After all I will be subscribing to your feed and I hope you write again soon!
Hello there! Would you mind if I share your blog with my zynga group? There’s a lot of folks that I think would really enjoy your content. Please let me know. Thanks
The blog is public so feel free to share. Best wishes.
I抦 impressed, I need to say. Actually hardly ever do I encounter a blog that抯 both educative and entertaining, and let me let you know, you’ve got hit the nail on the head. Your thought is excellent; the problem is something that not enough persons are speaking intelligently about. I am very joyful that I stumbled across this in my seek for one thing regarding this.
Hi Karla,
Loved this. Thank you. As you said, it’s public and ok to share, so, I put it on Facebook. Important reminder for all of us.
Much appreciated!
Mimi
Hello there, just changed into alert to your weblog through Google, and found that it’s really informative. I抦 going to be careful for brussels. I will appreciate in case you continue this in future. Lots of other people shall be benefited from your writing. Cheers!