"Privilege is the greatest enemy of right"

Privilege, often unacknowledged by those who benefit from it, shapes the boundaries of what is considered just, fair, or possible within a society. When individuals or groups possess privilege, advantages granted not by merit but by circumstances like birth, wealth, status, or connections, they inhabit positions from which their rights and desires are more easily expressed, protected, and enforced. These advantages can skew perceptions and priorities, allowing the privileged to define norms and values according to their interests, frequently at the expense of those without similar advantages.

As the greatest enemy of right, privilege undermines fairness by distorting access to justice and civic participation. Rights are meant to be universal, honoring the inherent worth and dignity of every person, yet privilege creates hierarchies where some voices are amplified and others silenced. When privilege goes unquestioned, systems and laws may evolve to protect the interests of the few rather than the rights of all. The privileged, often unwittingly, guard structures that sustain their comfort while marginalizing or ignoring the struggles of others. This perpetuates inequality, erodes trust, and stifles the development of a genuinely just society.

Furthermore, privilege can suppress empathy and the willingness to recognize injustice. Those living with privilege may find it easy to believe they have earned their advantages or that society operates fairly, leading to complacency. This lack of critical examination hinders solidarity and the collective pursuit of justice. It becomes challenging to challenge or reform the status quo when those benefitting from it are insulated from its harms.

Efforts to advance true rights for all must begin with acknowledging privilege and addressing its impact. Only by examining the ways privilege thwarts equality can societies work towards systems where rights are not rationed, but shared, ensuring real justice takes precedence over the protection of inherent or inherited advantages.