We need to look beyond the bubble
It is not uncommon for students that live in Dos Vientos (DV) to be labeled as “the rich kids,” since we all come from a secluded community on the top of Borchard. The moment we go down Borchard hill, the pseudo-bubble created by our gentrification, which has inadvertently changed our entire lives, becomes visible. We must realize this privilege is wrong and step outside our bubble, instead of hiding behind it.
Surrounded with similar views and lifestyles, my neighbors and I don’t realize that the world is much more diverse than the view outside our windows, where every house is identical. Diverse culture and socio-economic differences vary in every corner of TO past DV, and it’s our responsibility to amplify their voices of. This segregation created by these majority-white communities prevents us from being exposed to necessary diversity and stunts our education in the real world. Those in DV currently choose to turn a blind eye to the disparity just outside our bubble. It is our responsibility to use our privilege to give them the spotlight. We need to break this self-made barrier blocking us from facing the consequences of our oppression. Our intentional ignorance is detrimental to us, but more importantly, the communities we are obligated to support.
By stepping out of the bubble, we enter a diverse world where we can view issues we have never had to face. We can’t just remove ourselves from the harsh parts of society because privileged parents want to “protect” their children. We must become tolerable of political, religious and social ideas, and breaking down this barrier will enable this. In turn, it will better our mindset and embracing of others, a bare necessity to make competent, educated and inclusive decisions.
We also don’t get much first-hand experience on many socio-economic crises, such as the financial impact that COVID-19 is taking on the working class. At the most basic level, I never even realized that most families don’t have housekeepers weekly or a TV in every room until 5th grade. I was rarely exposed to the experiences of those in different circumstances and never realized how well off I was.
It is essential that we notice how bubbled we are, and see where we have the ability to amplify suppressed voices and make change, as well as gain respect for others in the process. Stop hiding behind your Dos Vientos mansions with your wine glasses and charcuterie boards. Educate yourself, engage with others and stop the systemic segregation that we continue to foster by hiding.
