[Inspired]

#LongPost
#WordyButWorthy
#ThoughtsAndRamblings

Hmmm...okay. Here goes...

IF THE WHOLE THE POINT IS:

Folks want EQUAL and FAIR treatment based on THEIR merits. It's not unreasonable to assume ALL Americans want this. It makes perfect sense, in my mind. Seems freaking legit! Applicable to all! Agreed? Agreed!

But...lately, I have seem a common thread during online and offline discussions. Particularly, in chat rooms/comment section and blogs. Descriptions about whose actually getting that fair and equal share. Many of those swiftly devolve into insults. And no resolution/relief for either side.

Frankly, I believe times are difficult and almost everyone is having difficulty maintaining.

However, ya'll loose *me*, when you use the backs of others (sometimes, literally)...to step on...while reaching for *your* fair and equal share. Also, displaying less empathy for others, as long as "you're getting yours" - or open hostility, if you feel like you're missing out! That's high-key madness! And low-key hypocrisy.

This is not rocket science!

I understand that many people reject the very idea of any type of privilege, especially if it includes the word "white". I get it. I'm not here to embolden believers of 'white' privilege or preach it.

I'm just observing some critical discrepancies about how some folks want to control the narrative about their "hardwork" and the "hardwork" of others.

I also understand that it is difficult to look at the life you've lived and have some one say, "oh yeah, all of that was handed to you" - that will seem ridiculous, when you've lived the experience. You know it was a struggle. You also know "good and damn well" that NOTHING was handed to you. You KNOW you EARNED it BECAUSE of YOUR hardwork!

Well, guess what...many brown-skinned men and women can proclaim the exact sentiment. They feel the same way!

Therein lies the frustration. We're tugging on the same rope. Neither willing to give an inch. Too many folks are so busy wanting acknowledgement for their own personal lived-experience - they are willing to devalue, everyone else's lived experience.

Clearly, that hasn't accomplished much, if anything. Maybe we can try this one on, for size: "I'll acknowledge yours while you acknowledge mine."

TL;DR? We're all just trying to make it. We're walking different paths to the same destination: A good life. For ourselves and loved ones. Being sh!tty won't get anyone there faster.

[Inspired By A Comment Thread/Revised For Clarity]

Created 10/21/17