If you haven’t come across the story of Laura Wilkins, prepare for an eye-opener. In a recent article for the UK’s Independent, titled “My Family Are the Rule-Breaking, Lockdown-Flouting Privileged Americans You’ve Heard About During the Coronavirus Pandemic,” Wilkins recounts a shocking incident involving her partner, who was stopped at a police checkpoint while trying to enter a restricted area. In a desperate attempt to get through, she falsely claimed to have left their children unattended at home. The police escorted her back, and Wilkins found herself hiding under the bed, instructing her kids to omit the truth from the authorities. Her partner described the encounter as “police brutality.”
While acknowledging the officer was doing his job—trying to keep the virus out of the area—Wilkins admits that they were precisely the sort of individuals the police aimed to exclude, given their recent travels. They chose to disregard the rules “because… well, we wanted to.” This behavior exemplifies sheer privilege and is, frankly, irresponsible and dangerous.
Although this example is extreme and easily condemned, we must also recognize that many of us—myself included—have benefited from our own privileges during this pandemic, albeit in less blatant ways.
How Privilege Provides Comfort During a Pandemic
Financial Freedom and Choice
My partner and I decided to stop going to our local grocery store after witnessing the lack of safety measures: no masks, no protective screens, and no social distancing. Instead, we opted for a more expensive store twenty minutes away, which enforces mask-wearing and proper distancing. This privilege allows us to choose a safer shopping environment. We can afford to drive farther and pay more. Our financial resources keep us healthier.
Mental Well-Being
Living in a house with a decent backyard is a significant privilege, especially in America, where many families are confined to small apartments. While some parents are forced to entertain their children indoors, we have a backyard, a trampoline, and a pool, which helps alleviate the stress of confinement. We had the means to invest in these amenities, highlighting our privilege.
Isolation Made Easier
With an Amazon Prime account, we enjoy the convenience of free delivery for household essentials, from dog food to personal care items. This is a luxury many cannot afford, especially when local grocery delivery often incurs higher costs. We can also obtain PPE to protect ourselves when we need to venture out.
Job Security
Both my partner and I work remotely and are accustomed to homeschooling, which is another advantage. We are not in the position of essential workers confronting the virus daily. Our jobs remain secure, allowing us to maintain our income without the risks faced by countless others.
Access to Healthcare
In the unfortunate event that we contract the virus, we have the privilege of not worrying about exorbitant medical bills. We can afford treatment and, hopefully, recover while retaining our jobs. For many, this isn’t the case, and the fear of illness is compounded by financial insecurity.
It’s crucial for those of us with privilege to recognize and appreciate it. We must ask ourselves how we can assist those who are less fortunate.
What Can We Do?
First, acknowledging our privilege is essential. Once we understand our advantages, we can take action to help others. We can donate supplies like PPE or food to local food banks, especially since the need hasn’t diminished during the pandemic. Sharing resources with families in need is vital, whether through toys or educational materials.
Remember to practice gratitude for what we have. Consider checking on neighbors safely, fulfilling their grocery needs, or continuing to support service workers, even if their services are temporarily paused. Simple acts of kindness can make a significant impact.
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In summary, recognizing our privileges can inspire us to extend compassion and support to those who may not have the same advantages, especially during challenging times like these.