Winners overcome 'privilege' issue

A recent op-ed was at great pains to make the case that "white privilege" exists in the U.S. and, consequently, that nonwhites suffer as a result.

Of course, that's true, but "white" is only one of many privileges constituting barriers that people have to overcome.

Studies have shown, for example, that taller people, more physically attractive people, genetically smarter and healthier people are likewise privileged and, all other things being equal, enjoy more success than those who are not. Like race, each of these is a reality over which the individual exercises little or no control.

Winning in life almost always involves swimming against the tide of some or even all of these "privileging" factors. Losers whine about them.

Bob Foys

Inverness