16 Privileges You’re Not Actually Entitled To

There are many privileges that people wrongly believe they’re entitled to. This can cause many issues, from unhealthy power dynamics and stunted personal growth to diminished problem-solving skills and zero conflict resolution capabilities. Whether it’s the right to privacy without boundaries, automatic acceptance in social situations, or the right to speak over others, there are many privileges that you’re not actually entitled to. Not sure if this is you? Continue reading to find out!  We’re sharing sixteen privileges that you’re not actually entitled to. 

Entitlement

Entitlement refers to the right to have something. 

Privilege

Privilege refers to unearned advantages or benefits that arise due to factors such as status, class, race, gender, etc.

16 Privileges You’re Not Entitled To

1. Be Respected Without Earning It

Respect is something that should be mutual and earned. Status, gender, and other factors do not automatically bestow respect. In order to earn respect, you need to be respectful of others. It is not an automatically given thing, and you don’t have a right to have it. 

2. Never Be Challenged

Not only does this limit personal growth, but it also hinders relationships. When you share your ideas and thoughts with others, people will question them, and this is a vital aspect of healthy and mutual respect. You cannot simply share an idea and expect everyone to agree with it without raising any questions. This also limits your personal growth and the possibility for healthy debate.

3. The Right to Privacy Without Boundaries

While everyone does have a right to privacy, there are boundaries. For example, privacy may look different in a shared space. You also can’t have a right to expect privacy and then break the boundaries of other people’s privacy wants.  It must be a mutually respected and boundary-bound relationship.

4. Automatic Acceptance in Social Situations

We’ve all experienced awkward social encounters, and most of the time, we’ve emerged from them on the better end. It teaches us things. We should earn social acceptance through respectful behaviour, compatibility, and mutual consent. Being a part of a group setting requires thoughtfulness, care, and respect. You don’t have a right to just decide that everyone should accept you, and you shouldn’t face any questions, debate, or care about others.

5. Entitlement To Be Excused From Accountability

If you’ve done something wrong or need to take accountability for something, then that’s what needs to happen. You don’t have the privilege of avoiding accountability. Many people feel entitled to avoid consequences for their actions because of their position, personality, or status.

6. The Right to Speak Over Others

What you have to say does not hold greater importance than what others have to say. It’s important to practice active listening rather than assuming you have the right to dominate the conversation.

7. Emotional Labour From Others

You can’t expect others to perform emotional labour for you if you aren’t willing to do the same in return.  This entails assuming others will be there for you to manage your emotions and help you without reciprocating that support. If you want emotional support from others, then you need to be willing to offer it as well.

8. The Right To Be Exempt From Criticism

No one has the right to be exempt from criticism, no matter how much we wish we were. Criticism is a part of both personal and professional growth and, when done in the right way, can be a very helpful tool. 

9. The Right To Safety Without Personal Responsibility

Some people believe they have the right to safety, but they fail to respect the rights of others to safety or make responsible choices. This belief is completely unfounded. You must respect other people’s right to safety as much as your own and make responsible choices that adhere to that.

10. Entitlement to Immediate Gratification

If you’re expecting immediate responses, solutions, and rewards, then think again. This entitlement can lead to significant frustration and growing impatience, neither of which will be beneficial in the long run.

11. The Right to Avoid Uncomfortable Conversations

Whether it’s racism, privilege, or politics, no one has the right to avoid uncomfortable conversations forever. Doing so perpetuates ignorance and prevents progress in social issues. 

12. Unquestioned Loyalty

Trust, respect, and mutual understanding are the foundations of loyalty. Expecting loyalty without giving it can lead to unhealthy power dynamics. To gain others’ loyalty, you must first give it.

13. Entitlement To Be Taken Seriously Without Any Effort

People won’t take you seriously if you’re not willing to put in the effort. There isn’t a right to be taken seriously without seeming serious. People want to see effort and action, and then they’ll be more likely to take you seriously. Respect and credibility are earned through action and effort.

14. Financial Stability Without Effort

If you want financial stability, then you have to put in the work. Nobody will simply hand it to you as if it’s a given. It takes hard work, grit, and perseverance. 

15. The Right to Constant Validation

You don’t have the right to constant praise, attention, or approval. Constantly seeking praise, attention, or approval can hinder your personal growth and create insecurity when you don’t receive it. You need to learn to give yourself the validation you need instead of depending on hearing it from others. Others may find it annoying.

16. The Right to Always Be Comfortable

While it would be ideal if this were a fundamental right, it could potentially hinder our personal growth and development. It takes effort to create comfortable spaces. They aren’t just handed out. 

The Takeaway

It’s crucial to endure the discomfort, as it’s the catalyst for growth and change. None of these privileges are ones you’re entitled to, from the right to receive constant validation to the right to avoid uncomfortable conversations. Instead, they are opportunities that require effort and introspection. Embracing the discomfort can lead to deeper understanding and stronger connections with others, ultimately fostering a more authentic and fulfilling life.