People who are incredibly privileged in life but don’t realize it usually display these 7 subtle behaviors
Privilege. It’s a loaded term, isn’t it?
We often associate it with wealth, power, and influence. But what if I told you that you could be incredibly privileged without even realizing it?
Yes, that’s right. Privilege can manifest itself in subtle ways, through behaviors and attitudes that we might not even realize we’re exhibiting.
It’s not always about the designer clothes or the luxury cars. Sometimes, it’s in the way we interact with the world around us.
It’s in the assumptions we make, the things we take for granted, and the expectations we set for ourselves and others.
In this article, we’re going to explore seven subtle behaviors often displayed by those who are incredibly privileged in life but don’t realize it. And who knows? You might just recognize a few of these behaviors in yourself.
Get ready for some serious self-reflection. Let’s dive in.
1) They often dismiss others’ struggles
Ever heard someone say, “Why don’t they just get a better job?” or “If I can do it, so can they”?
This subtle behavior is often displayed by those who are incredibly privileged but don’t realize it.
It’s an attitude that dismisses the struggles of others based on the premise that their own success or comfort was achieved solely through hard work and determination.
In reality, this viewpoint overlooks the systemic issues and barriers that many people face in their daily lives. It assumes everyone has the same opportunities, which is often not the case.
This brings me to the next point…
2) They believe everyone has equal opportunities
Equal opportunity. It’s a phrase we hear often, but does it truly exist for everyone?
It’s easy to think so when you come from a privileged background. You might believe that if you studied hard and achieved success, everyone else can do the same.
But this perspective often misses the mark. Again, it doesn’t account for the systemic barriers that limit opportunities for certain groups.
I’ve seen this in my own life. I was fortunate to go to a good school and attend university. I had access to resources and opportunities that set me up for success. But not everyone has these privileges.
If you believe everyone has the same access to opportunities as you do, you might be overlooking your own privilege.
3) They don’t worry about basic necessities
I remember a conversation I had with a friend a few years back. We were talking about our plans for the weekend, and she casually mentioned that she was going to buy a new pair of sneakers.
It struck me how effortless and casual her decision was, while at the time, I was budgeting every penny just to get by.
The difference in our financial situations became clear in that moment—she didn’t have to think twice about making a purchase, while I was constantly worrying about rent, groceries, and other basic necessities.
When someone doesn’t have to worry about their basic needs being met, it creates a vastly different perspective on life.
They aren’t weighed down by the stress of survival, which allows them to focus on more abstract goals like self-fulfillment, personal growth, or even just leisure.
While this can be liberating, it also makes it harder for them to understand the struggles of those who do live paycheck to paycheck. They might offer advice or make comments that seem out of touch.
Understanding this difference can help bridge the gap, but it requires conscious effort and empathy to recognize that not everyone has the same level of security in their day-to-day lives.
4) They’re unfamiliar with the fear of prejudice
I’ll never forget that day. It was a typical afternoon, sun was shining, and I was in the park with my friends.
We were laughing, having a good time, when out of nowhere, a group of kids passed by and started mocking my accent.
I remember freezing, unsure of what to do. It wasn’t the first time I had felt singled out for being different, but every time it happened, it left a mark.
My friends, who were all non-Asian, didn’t even seem to notice. They just kept chatting and laughing like nothing had happened.
They could walk through life without worrying if someone was going to judge them for their race, their appearance, or how they spoke.
They didn’t have to wonder if a stranger’s glance or a comment was laced with bias.
That’s when it hit me—they didn’t experience the world the way I did. They didn’t have to.
Privilege, in this sense, isn’t just about having more—it’s about not having to carry the invisible weight of prejudice.
If you can walk into a room, or down a street, without the fear of being judged or mistreated because of your skin color, gender, or sexuality – that’s privilege.
It’s a subconscious safety net that many people don’t have access to.
5) They seldom question the status quo
Did you know that the world’s richest 1% hold more than twice as much wealth as the bottom 99% of the world’s population? Quite a staggering statistic, isn’t it?
Yet, many of us accept this without question. We see it as just the way things are – the status quo.
This is a subtle behavior indicative of privilege. It’s easy to accept the system when it works in your favor.
When you’re not the one being marginalized or disadvantaged, it’s less likely that you’ll challenge the existing structures and norms.
6) They struggle to empathize with different experiences
When we live a life of privilege, it can be difficult to fully understand experiences that are vastly different from our own.
People who struggle to empathize with others often don’t realize how their personal circumstances shape their worldview.
They may unintentionally dismiss or minimize the hardships others face because they simply haven’t experienced anything similar.
This lack of empathy can create a disconnect in relationships, making it harder to support one another in meaningful ways.
And that’s not just me saying it. An interesting study showed that the more economic privilege a person has, the less empathic accuracy or understanding they show towards others.
7) They tend to overlook their own privilege
Ironically, the most telling sign of privilege is the inability to recognize it in oneself. It’s easy to see the world through our own lens and dismiss the idea that we might be benefitting from unearned advantages.
As psychologist Michael Karson points out, “The privileged in any setting want to believe that their lack of stigma is earned and not a matter of chance. ”
The fact that you don’t have to think about your race, gender, or socioeconomic status on a daily basis is a privilege in itself. It means these aspects of your identity don’t present obstacles in your life.
Acknowledging our own privilege isn’t about feeling guilty or defensive. It’s about understanding how societal systems benefit some and disadvantage others, and using this awareness to promote equality and justice.
Final thoughts
I don’t mean to induce guilt or shame with this discussion. At the core, this is about gaining perspective and a deeper understanding of the world around us.
If you found yourself nodding along to some of these signs, it could be an indication of unacknowledged privilege.
And that’s okay, it’s not your fault you are. Privilege is socially given, not a matter of choice.
That said, it’s good to be aware of it. This way, you can use it as a tool for empathy, for stepping into other people’s shoes and understanding their struggles.
It can guide you in challenging unfair systems and advocating for those less privileged. You can use it to help build a more equitable world for everyone.