Edition #4: The Privilege of Pressure
Plus, imagine all your money disappearing, a night in a bodega, and South Dakota's strange ad for meth addiction
A Note from the Editor
On Monday night I found myself in the small, windowless room of my therapists' office. What began as nervous babbling turned into a verbal review of my career choices thus far; about how every decision I made early on in my career was driven by the desire to make money. I had debts to pay and a chip on my shoulder, so money was what I needed to free myself of the past. But after making the money, paying off the debt, doing a little bit of traveling, and a lot of soul searching, I've found myself in a place of questioning what I really want, career and otherwise.
"What a privilege, to be at the point where I can take time to consider what my true passion is"
I said to my therapist, who silently nodded along. The truth in my statement struck me, and I've been thinking a lot about privilege ever since. It feels like a dirty word, something to be ashamed of. There's white privilege, gender privilege, and American privilege, none of which have particularly positive connotations.
As I consider the privilege I've earned, I'm also considering what I can do with it. The idea reminded me of this article, where an activist talks about young climate organizers. The gist of what she says can be summed up by this quote: "so my message right now is like, fuck your work-life balance. If these kids are giving up their childhoods, you know, are you willing to give up your evenings?" If privilege feels sticky, it's because we know we should do more with it, because with it comes a quiet, self-inflicted expectation to make the world a little bit better. And really, it should feel that way.
Cheers my dears. How have you reckoned with your privilege, and in what ways do you use it for good? Programming note: No email next week, but I'll be back in your inbox on 12/5!
Three Pieces of Content Worth Consuming:
Imagine All Your Money Disappearing. Last New Years Eve, I met a fellow American traveler in Berlin and we became fast friends. One night, she told me that she doesn't keep any of her savings in the bank- instead, it's buried in the nondescript backwoods of rural Georgia. "How endearingly quirky," I thought, but after reading this article I realize she might be up to something. A tale to make you reconsider your finical security; a couple of retirees who did everything right financially, but somehow end up living in a van, eating canned beans for dinner and working at an Amazon warehouse.
Two Cops, One Model, and 34 Bags of Chips. The most impressive kind of art is the kind that turns bland, everyday experiences into something worth taking a second (and a third) look at, which is why this illustrated diary of a full night at a bodega in Brooklyn is so magical. What would a night spent at a bodega/gas station/convenience store look like in all 50 states? I'd love to see a side-by-side comparison of the late-night customers (and what snacks they purchased).
Inside the Bedrooms of Newly Freed Women. There's something alluring about getting a peek into the most personal space in any home, the bedroom. This photo series explores the bedrooms of former female inmates who've served sentences for homicide convictions, and their collective appreciation for their space and possessions is jarring.
"I put more into this room than into the kitchen. I know that I need to eat, by my room is my nourishment."
Perhaps You Should...
Spend the Evening At a Secret Concert
If you haven't been to a Sofar Sounds show yet, you're missing out. How it works: pick a date and neighborhood and apply for tickets. If you get on the list, you'll get an email with a link to purchase tickets and another email the day before the show with the surprise venue address. Then simply show up and enjoy three different musical acts, from singer/songwriters to beat-boxers. Pro tip: choose a show that is BYOB and at a private residence.
(Head Scratching) **Bonus Content**
Have you ever seen a billboard or commercial and thought "how did THAT get approved?" Anyone working in advertising can attest to the painstakingly antiquated approval process most ads go through, and yet somehow someone convinced South Dakota to spend $500k on this ad campaign. Are the people in these photos ACTUALLY on meth, or are they posing as meth-addled South Dakotans? And why wasn't this $500k spent on rehab programs for meth-addled South Dakotans? It's funny, it's bizarre, it's...South Dakota.
A Quote From A Book You Should Read:
"Why, in his years with Robert, had he had such trouble expressing love? As the days become longer, Simon says it over and over: I love you, I love you, that call and response, as essential to the body as food or breath."
-The Immortalists by Chloe Benjamin
This newsletter is best served with a side of conversation, so drop your opinions, reflections, and thoughts in the comments below and let’s get to talking.
Or, share the most thought-provoking piece from today’s edition with someone you love, then call them up to discuss, debate, and percolate. As a wise woman once said, “Great minds discuss ideas.”