The Jaime David Podcast – Episode 27: Privilege is out now.
Listen to it here!
Check out the original post here!
Privilege
Privilege; it’s a thing that exists.
You can have privilege for being white, male, or cis.
There’s also privilege for being pretty, tall, or thin.
There is even privilege for being fucking rich.
Privilege is everywhere, and it is fucking shit.
It is a system where you can get judged for the color of your skin and pigments.
It is a system where men can’t show their emotions.
It is a system where rich men can pollute the environment.
It is a system where businesses can lobby the government.
It is a system where you can be demonized for being an immigrant, poor, or homeless.
It is a system that causes great division.
But do not despair; not all is hopeless!
There is a way; a way we can fix this.
We must make people aware; aware of their privilege.
We must make people realize that the problem is systemic,
And that privilege is not just simply something that one is born in.
Privilege is something that society has decided.
Privilege can give people an unfair advantage,
And can also promote hypocrisy and double standards.
Those with privilege can get praised for something,
And if marginalized groups do it,
Those with privilege have a fit.
It’s bullshit.
This shit needs to end.
It’s time we give a voice to those who are voiceless.
Read the episode transcript below!
JAIME DAVID (host):
Hey everyone, welcome back to The Jaime David Podcast. I’m your host, Jaime, and this is Episode 27.
Today’s topic is one that makes some people uncomfortable, but that’s exactly why it has to be talked about—privilege.
This poem was written at a time when I was reflecting deeply on inequality—not just the obvious kind, but the kinds that are baked into the systems around us. Here’s the piece I wrote, called “Privilege.”
Privilege
Privilege; it’s a thing that exists.
You can have privilege for being white, male, or cis.
There’s also privilege for being pretty, tall, or thin.
There is even privilege for being fucking rich.
Privilege is everywhere, and it is fucking shit.
It is a system where you can get judged for the color of your skin and pigments.
It is a system where men can’t show their emotions.
It is a system where rich men can pollute the environment.
It is a system where businesses can lobby the government.
It is a system where you can be demonized for being an immigrant, poor, or homeless.
It is a system that causes great division.
But do not despair; not all is hopeless!
There is a way; a way we can fix this.
We must make people aware; aware of their privilege.
We must make people realize that the problem is systemic,
And that privilege is not just simply something that one is born in.
Privilege is something that society has decided.
Privilege can give people an unfair advantage,
And can also promote hypocrisy and double standards.
Those with privilege can get praised for something,
And if marginalized groups do it,
Those with privilege have a fit.
It’s bullshit.
This shit needs to end.
It’s time we give a voice to those who are voiceless.
JAIME DAVID (host):
Yeah… it’s a heavy one. And that’s on purpose.
The truth is, privilege isn’t about guilt. It’s about awareness. About recognizing how different people move through the world with different levels of access, opportunity, and safety. Some of us get doors held open automatically. Some of us don’t even get to knock.
But acknowledging privilege isn’t the end of the conversation—it’s the beginning. It’s what allows us to start building systems that are actually fair. It’s what helps us recognize when voices are missing from the room—and makes us choose to listen instead of speak over them.
In the poem, I said: “We must make people aware of their privilege.” And I still believe that’s step one. But what comes after is just as important: using that awareness to amplify others, not just center ourselves.
It’s not enough to call out injustice—we also have to call each other in. That means doing the work, sharing the mic, advocating for equity, and pushing back on systems that benefit some by silencing others.
So if you have privilege—any kind of it—use it like a tool, not a shield. Use it to challenge the bullshit. Use it to change the conversation.
And if you feel like you’ve never had privilege in your life, I see you. You’re not alone. And your voice matters.
Let’s be honest, let’s be bold, and let’s keep showing up.
That’s it for Episode 27 of The Jaime David Podcast. Thanks for being here, and thanks for doing the work. See you next time.
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