Read on Twitter
WhitePrivilege and Ben Mulroney. Husband of Jessica Mulroney. I’m not dragging anyone. Just pointing out my experience. In 2003 I had an internship at Canadian Idol. During downtime, someone asked Ben how he got his job as the host. Ben sat there, quite humbly, and stated (1/9)
he was approached to host the show. I believe he said at the time he was pursuing a career in law. I nodded along, thinking to myself how lucky he was. Nah. It wasn’t luck. I see that now. I had just come off a four year (2/9)
journalism program, and here I was working as an intern, ten plus hours a day, for a $20 stipend. I shrugged. I knew it was unfair. But why would I question it? He’s the son of a former PM. Sure he had no experience but you know, props to Ben, he wasn’t half bad. (3/9)
And he’s still at it. I’m sure he works even harder to combat the “you’re the son of so and so,” rhetoric he hears. I look back now and wish I said something. Something about how fortunate he was for that opportunity. How I would have killed for a chance to be a paid PA on (4/9)
the show. Just so he could understand then how privileged he was. But I knew the drill. I knew to keep my mouth shut and only speak if spoken to. Internships were par for the course in my field. And I acknowledge my own privilege in being able to work as an intern at 22 (5/9)
b/c I was supported financially by my parents. (6/9)
I’m not knocking Ben. He worked hard. But it’s one thing to work hard when the red carpet has been rolled out for you. It’s a completely different beast to break down those walls to get just your (7/9)
foot in the door. And even still, you’ll never catch up. Their head start is way too big. Fun fact: Dan Levy was also an intern on Canadian Idol. People gravitated toward him. We all knew who his father was. Shortly after, he had a hosting gig on MTV Canada. (8/9)
YES he’s talented and charming, but also #WhitePrivilege #maleprivilege and another famous father removing barriers. This was 17 years ago. Guys, not much has changed. (9/9) *note: this was my experience and perspective*
