Double Standards or Simple Privilege?

The UK government has had a bad week. Losing ground in the polls is one thing, but weakening their grasp on the public health message is something altogether more dangerous. It could cost lives. And in case your isolation has meant that you have not been aware of the row at the centre of all this - the right hand advisor to the British Prime Minister, one Dominic Cummings, has been heavily criticised after allegations that he allegedly broke lockdown rules early in the pandemic - rules that he had helped to draw up. Some polls have shown a majority of people in favour of his removal from his post or resignation, but there are still a large number who wish the whole story would just go away. Among them is Boris Johnson, who seems indifferent to criticism on this matter and is renowned for standing by his officers when they err (perhaps due to his own experiences of being fired and shamed following mistakes in the past).

In my opinion, though, what we are seeing here is the typical British expression of the worldwide phenomenon known as 'privilege' - a special right, advantage, or immunity granted or available only to a particular person or group. It is not unique to the UK though it often expresses itself in very different and sometimes extreme ways, like the Indian caste system, or the American worship of riches and success in business. It causes untold harm wherever it becomes the norm, and can lead to situations where people lose respect for their leaders and confidence in their ability to guide and direct others.

Privilege also leads to a drawbridge mentality where members of a particular social class or grouping become extra protective of one another and closed to the needs of those outside the group. In the case of the UK government as a whole I am sure that is not so, but that impression could be gained from what has been going on. Hopefully, lessons will be learnt, and the media agenda will move on, but possibly not before significant harm may be done to the government's public health agenda.

As a Christian I don't like the concept of privilege. Unfairness adds a load of  discouragement to the burden of lockdown and isolation. The potential for discrimination and superiority is real, and the danger for looking down our noses at others is anathema to the Jesus we follow and serve. He saw the needs of the dispossessed and marginalised, calling them to Himself. He touched the lepers and elevated them to social acceptance. He challenged the privileged attitude of the Jewish leaders, urging them to take care, in case their actions put burdens onto people's backs that they were unable to bear.

In short, He created a new world order where those who are called to rule are firstly those who learn to humble themselves and serve.