Privilege. Can we even count how many meanings this word has? I doubt that, since the idea of privilege depends on an individual perspective. One of my favorite satirical comedy musicals from 2001 "Urinetown: The Musical" explores the idea of the most ridiculous type of privilege you can think of...the privilege of using the bathroom. Why such a trivial thing becomes a privilege? In the plot, a twenty-year drought has caused a terrible water shortage, making private toilets unthinkable. All restroom activities are done in public toilets controlled by a megacorporation called "Urine Good Company." To control water consumption, people have to pay to use the amenities, and there are harsh laws ensuring that people pay to pee, and if they are broken, the offender is sent to a penal colony called "Urinetown", never to return.
People are killed if they cannot pay for amenities. How terrible is that? Of course, the uprising against the corporation is inevitable, which leads to the crush of the tyranny and free bathrooms for the public. What is interesting, the revolution is led by the evil corporation`s director`s daughter, who was able to see her privileged position and extend a friendly hand to those in need. The trigger for her change became her love for an impoverished young men, who introduced her to his world, made her see that those underprivileged people are were no worse than herself.
This example of interference of the privileged person shows the most effective strategy for eliminating a huge gap between people with privileges and those behind them. The increase in cultural and social awareness is the key to success, and I really hope that this awareness
is carefully incorporated into school and college courses.
I wish I could say that the musical had happy end, but I can`t. I won`t give spoilers because I highly recommend watching this musical and knowing the end usually diminishes interest.
This musical also made me think how much we are taking for granted. Even clean water, which is a precious resource in some African regions. So why do we complain all the time? Life is precious and all of us have privileges, but it is not a reason to be arrogant about it. But it`s a reason to help those, who do not have our benefits. We cannot help everyone, but everyone can help someone. We always have a choice to act respectfully and helpfully. So why not to make it?
People are killed if they cannot pay for amenities. How terrible is that? Of course, the uprising against the corporation is inevitable, which leads to the crush of the tyranny and free bathrooms for the public. What is interesting, the revolution is led by the evil corporation`s director`s daughter, who was able to see her privileged position and extend a friendly hand to those in need. The trigger for her change became her love for an impoverished young men, who introduced her to his world, made her see that those underprivileged people are were no worse than herself.
This example of interference of the privileged person shows the most effective strategy for eliminating a huge gap between people with privileges and those behind them. The increase in cultural and social awareness is the key to success, and I really hope that this awareness
is carefully incorporated into school and college courses.
I wish I could say that the musical had happy end, but I can`t. I won`t give spoilers because I highly recommend watching this musical and knowing the end usually diminishes interest.
This musical also made me think how much we are taking for granted. Even clean water, which is a precious resource in some African regions. So why do we complain all the time? Life is precious and all of us have privileges, but it is not a reason to be arrogant about it. But it`s a reason to help those, who do not have our benefits. We cannot help everyone, but everyone can help someone. We always have a choice to act respectfully and helpfully. So why not to make it?
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