Many activists criticize the notion of privilege too broadly and easily. Privilege in and of itself is not the enemy. Saying it is is lazy criticism that not only fails to address the crux of the problem, but is hypocritical in nature.
Part of the life mission for arguably the wide majority of mankind (especially those living in economically mobile societies) is to work toward the economic betterment of oneself and one's family; to ensure that the next generation of one's kin enjoys greater opportunity than oneself. If simply having privilege were evil in and of itself, then all those who don't currently enjoy certain privileges who are working to attain them are evil. This of course is not true. It is right and noble to seek to provide a better life for the next generation in one's family line. It follows, then, that privilege in and of itself is not the target of evil. Rather it's the typical behavior that accompanies having excessive privilege that is, especially for those born into good fortune.
This distinction may seem insignificant but the opposite is true. Misguided criticism is not only harmful and serves to counter the cause of advancing change, but it serves to miss a precious opportunity in today's current climate of various social movements gaining national attention.
Attacking folks with privilege for simply having it already risks squandering an opportunity to establish true connections with necessary allies. Progress toward bringing about a more equitable world is accelerated when we engage folks at the top, not by trying to guilt them when most people with enviable privilege are typically born into it.
I learned this during university when chatting with white fraternity brothers, largely from wealthy families. These were good guys who largely were simply born into the privileges of being 1) wealthy; 2) white; 3) American; and 4) men, all except #1 of which they would be able to enjoy the entire life without effort (and theoretically even #1 as well if they don't do something stupid to squander it). Upon graduating school, many of my friends were able to use their parents' connections to land great jobs, which surely helped to augment the fact most graduated with a solid performance record.
I would chat with my fraternity brothers about their views on race relations and these privileges they were born into. Many shared that they initially felt guilty that, deep down, they would enjoy special privileges they did not earn that the vast majority of the world could not access, being white American men. Over time, though, they said that that they grew to resent that feeling of guilt as it was not their fault that they were born into these privileges.
My response to them was that having privileges and not actively promoting equal opportunity so that others may have a fair shot of earning privileges for themselves and their kin is worthy of chastisement. Simply having the privilege, however, is not. Rather, it ought to be viewed as a gift that they have the special power and responsibility of wielding to advance mankind. That is a rather awesome opportunity then, to sit in a position where they can perhaps advance equity in society faster than others with fewer privileges may be able to.
Ultimately, it is the responsibility of every member of society to do their part -- no matter how small -- to bring about a more equitable world. We should seek to find allies amongst privileged groups, not attack them for just having more resource and access than we currently do.
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