COVID-19 Privilege and Oppression?

Those of us who get the opportunity to work from home...

who have a steady place to call home...

who have internet and phone connectivity...

who have the income to "comfortably" pay

for these resources. As tough as things are, as scared, worried, anxious, or nonchalant as some of us may feel...for any of us who fall within this category, do we recognize the wealth and breadth of the privilege we currently enjoy?

You see, that is the interesting thing about living within an opportunity that becomes so normalized that it's (most often) unconsciously assumed that others enjoy its same benefits. Have you thought of your privilege amidst this pandemic?

The benefits of otherwise "normalized" opportunities are hard to recognize, often times viewed as offensive at best should any outsider refer to an aspect of one's life or livelihood as a privilege. "I worked hard to get where I am" or utterances of pulling oneself up by the bootstraps commence as almost a shield of protection against references of privilege.

Yet here we are, COVID-19.

With ongoing restaurant closures, service industry workers getting laid-off is quickly becoming the horrific new norm.

While childcare services are being provided for some, it is not for all. What about care for the kids of single fathers who are most often expected to maintain gender-norms and still expected to go to work (or must go to work to sustain their living)?

Unemployment insurance is referenced as a quasi short-term solution for some, but what about

the many independent-contractors, self-employed artists, paycheck-to-paycheck working student, the small-shop mechanic staff, housekeeper, folks who get paid "under the table" (an illegal tax-evasion practice that pays workers cash-in-hand to avoid paying worker benefits or taxes), or the undocumented workers - all of whom will not qualify for unemployment?

What is happening to them today, and what will happen to them and their loved ones tomorrow?

The fact remains that people with the highest socioeconomic need are and will be further marginalized by our current pandemic.

We also cannot ignore the fact that many of these will be communities of color.

Like some of you, I admittedly have the privilege of deciding which grocery store to frequent and at what time of day in order to maintain optimal social distancing whilst shopping. However, many many others are praying to simply have just enough to make ends meet.

Oppression: heavily burdened, mentally, physically, weighed down, unfair...

While we all try to do our best to navigate this emotionally taxing and surreal state of affairs, take the time to consider the opportunities you have and how you can alleviate the oppressive state others face. Far from a solution, every bit helps. If you have it to give, give (whatever "it" is, you'll know and to whom it should go); if you be of good cheer, share it with others; if you are calm in spirit, send a calming word to someone. Consider donating to NHCC's Random Acts of Kindness emergency grant to help a student.

We have a long road ahead of us, and it's easy to focus on self, but let's consider what we can do for others.

- Dr. Eda Watts, NHCC's AVP of Equity and Inclusion

[A first-generation college student whose mother worked as a housekeeper.]