‘Privilege on Display’

Mr. Stiles,
In your response, you stated that Mr. Larson “complained” about not being able to do the things that he and his wife are accustomed to doing, and that this is “highly offensive” because some people are struggling to pay rent, and buy food, and also that it is a display of white privilege. I do not believe the intent of the article was to flaunt wealth or put “white privilege on display”. Mr. Larson stated a challenge (staying active) which is a problem most people have faced since the beginning of the covid pandemic. He then went on to tell how he and his wife have overcome that challenge in a positive way. In regard to your first issue, their ability to have a daily yoga class, and shop at the North Coast Co-op, when others are struggling to pay rent and buy food. It was stated that they are an older couple (which is why they are in a high risk group). It is very possible that their gym membership is at one of the three senior centers in Humboldt County, a service that is provided at a reasonable cost to all seniors. It is obvious that they are health conscious, which admittedly healthy foods can cost more, but groceries for two people are not that exorbitant. The majority of the activities Mr. Larson wrote about doing are free. The only thing it costs to go exploring, is time and a little gas money. Even people who are worried about rent can take a walk. Maybe they cannot go every day, that is true, but it is still a possibility. To address your second issue; the definition of “white privilege” is that an experience is available to a caucasian person that is unavailable or difficult for people of other races simply because of skin color. I personally try to treat everyone with the same respect, and do not understand why others discriminate the way they do. The activities that Mr. Larson shared in his article are available to everyone, I do not see how they are an indication of white privilege.
Respectfully disagreeing,
Kimberly Unruh