Would changing the word "privileged" to "advantaged" make a difference?

The power of word choice matters when you’re trying to get a message through.?

When my father passed away about a year and a half ago I was cleaning up his desk and found a handwritten quote that said “When you’re accustomed to privilege, equality feels like oppression.”

It had such an impact on me that I had it tattooed in his writing on my arm. The reason it hit me so hard was that on one level, I had seen my dad evolve over the years with his views and perceptions of the world and was extremely proud of him for it. But the quote hit me at an even deeper level that made me reflect on what the word “privilege” really means, or more importantly how it feels and wonder if it would make a difference to change it to "advantaged." ??

I think the word "privilege" is divisive and created a negative reaction, not a conversation. If you call me (a white male) privileged, my defenses almost immediately go up. It feels like you’re saying that I didn’t earn what I have today. I promise you, I’ve worked my ass off and sacrificed a lot to get to where I am today. No one handed me a silver spoon on a platter.

The problem is, that’s not really what the word “privilege” is all about in my opinion.?Privilege is about the fact that when I wake up in the morning I don't have to think about what I’m wearing so I don’t get sexually harassed that day.?Privilege is the fact that I don’t even think twice if I get pulled over by the police.? One of the best examples of "privilege" is highlighted by the video in this article (that argues the pros/cons of the approach).

We can argue the semantics of the word privilege and its association with being a white male in America all we want.?However, I think it’s pretty hard to argue the fact that it’s not an advantage.??

As a 6 foot white male, this world was made for me. I didn’t ask for it to be but I can’t deny it. I also think it is ignorant of me not to recognize the advantages I’ve been given and use them to help others who might not have had as many.?

If you’re a selfish person you’re a selfish person and the difference between privileged and advantaged isn’t going to matter.?However, if you're someone like me who wants to leave this world in better shape after you're gone, start recognizing your advantages and share them with others. Life isn’t a zero sum game.?Someone else doesn't have to "lose" in order for you to "win." Let's #makeithappen !