Thank you, James.

You give me hope. I get so tired of being labeled "privileged." I'm not. I spent most of my career being on the outside, looking it, because I chose a male dominated career. I worked damn hard for every bit of my progress, until I had a leader who was "gender-sensitive."

He helped me hone my strengths, and rewarded me for the quality of my work, without gender-bias. I watched him do the same for everyone, regardless of ethnicity or gender. Most of his staff adapted his attitudes and leadership style.

I'm one generation removed from Mississippi share-cropper stock, and the oldest of six. My dad was Army, and worked his way up through the ranks without benefit of a college education. My mother never finished high school. I'm a retired senior consulting engineer and full-time writer. No, I didn't get here by any privileged treatment. Quite the opposite. Calling me privileged doesn't give me the accuser's creative power, but it does but a box around their thinking. It alienates those of us who want to help.

I'm already a Medium member, or I'd join using your referral link. God Bless, and keep writing.

Kathleen Parrish

www.kathleen-parrish.com