Privilege and Failure

Privilege and Failure

I have mentioned in the past that I grew up in a privileged childhood. I really never lacked for anything. Thus I think there is a benefit of a middle to upper class household with professionals as parents. Stability. Safety. There is the overwhelming feeling that everything will eventually turn our ok. It is a gift to mature in this environment. The biggest of which is the connection between privilege and failure.

They are invariably linked. But not in the ways that everyone always expects.

Leap Before You Look

I am a big fan of leaping before you look. Sometimes the greatest strides are made when one throws themselves into a task without spending too much thought on the consequences. This is where the magic happens. Many of my earliest successes, like starting an art business, began in such a manner.

But not always.

There is a caveat that gets at the heart of the connection between privilege and failure. This must be done in a safe manner. You can look before you leap, but there must be a safety net. One can only afford to risk so much.

Growing up with privilege means that there is always a safety net. I could jump into a new business venture, or experiment with one hustle or another as a kid because my basic needs were being taken care. I didn’t have to worry about where the next meal was going to come from or whether I had shelter over my head.

The Bailout Factor

I could always be bailed out. No matter how poorly my academic training, my professional life, or my new business went. There was always money in the bank and parents who were ready to support.

Some might call this spoiled.

But for me it was an integral part of my success. Privilege and failure were intimately connected. I had the luxury of striking out. Even if the bases were loaded, it wasn’t the ninth inning yet.

There was room to learn and grow. Room to miss perfection by a good margin. The distinct privilege of having the option to fail.

A Leg Up

This certainly gave me a leg up in almost all of my endeavors. I learned quickly how to fall on my face and get back up. Because I knew that I would always be able to get back up. There was always a safety net to catch me, and make sure I didn’t hurt myself.

It’s not just privilege and failure. It’s privilege and success. Success is nothing more than the art of failing appropriately and learning through incremental gain.

My origin story is filled with highs and lows. Filled with struggle, failure, and eventual change. Although I was the one doing the hard work, I will never forget that I was given a safe framework to exist within.

Final Thoughts

Not everyone can afford to fail. Maybe if you are abjectly poor, a new immigrant, or in difficult financial straits. There is no room for error. Privilege and failure, for me, have been consistently tied together.

And it has been a luxury.