Having been raised well isn't an example of "privilege" in the modern parlance.

I felt compelled to share this one after seeing a number of people on a different thread suggesting that one's success is a function of their privilege extending to the privilege of having been raised well - i.e. the parents taught the person to work hard, behave responsibly, delay gratification, generally behave virtuously.

If your dad is a local big-wig who got you your cushy job, or your rich parents used money to clear every obstacle you've ever faced you certainly have privilege. If you're an American you certainly have privilege over someone born in Somalia. Absolutely.

But if someone says "I achieved this by years of hard diligent work" their work ethic and other virtues imbued by a good upbringing do not make them "privileged" in the way it is used today: "You can't even see your privilege. You were only able to accomplish that because you had smart loving parents who taught you honesty, hard work, and diligence".

Those traits are simply who you are, not evidence of your privilege.

EDIT: An important part being missed is when I said "...in the modern parlance." If you have parents who love you that is in a sense a privilege not enjoyed by an orphan, sure. In that sense you have a privilege, but you are not "privileged" in the common parlance of today. Privilege in the modern parlance, as far as I'm describing here, is that sense of an unfair advantage. The youngest partner in the history of the firm turns out that his dad is the founder? That's the parlance I'm referring to. "Born on third base and thinks he hit a triple" type of privilege. Being a well-rounded person because your parents did a good job is NOT this type of privilege.

The post I saw that prompted this was full of people discounting the work required to become a cardiologist because not everyone has parents who instilled good virtuous work and study habits required. If I say "Most people have a path to success if they apply themselves", it's inappropriate to reply "That's just privilege talking! Some of us are shiftless layabouts because we were raised by dirtbags!" THAT is an inappropriate use of "privilege" as we use it in the modern parlance.