The privilege of being able to sell your Tesla

In February, musician Sheryl Crow sold her Tesla vehicle. The money she made from the sale was donated to National Public Radio. Crow said, “NPR is under threat from President Musk.”

Depending on the model, the price of a Tesla ranges from $45,000 to around $100K. Whatever she received from the sale was a nice chunk of change for NPR.

Crow’s net worth is an estimated eighty million dollars. While it’s a nice thought, her donation is a drop in the bucket for her. Yes, she’s earned her fortune after years of struggling and hard work, but now it’s her privilege that allows her to make this gesture.

On Saturday, there were “Hands Off” rallies held in more than a thousand locations throughout the United States. I attended the event in Highland Park, a northern suburb of Chicago. This was one of the many photos I shot that day. After taking the photo, I had some questions for the woman holding it:

“Did you really sell your Tesla?” “Yes. I didn't feel comfortable owning it anymore.” “What are you driving now?” “I bought a Hyundai SUV. It’s not as nice a car and doesn't have as many tricks, but it works for me. I feel better owning it.” “You hear a lot about people wanting to do this, but never actually pull the trigger on this.” “Yeah. I realize it’s not that easy to do this. Most people aren't in the position to do it. I am, so why not? I also realize that I’m privileged enough to do this.”

What did I take from this conversation? Privilege is kind of tricky. First, you have to realize that you are privileged. I grew up in Highland Park. At the time, it never crossed my mind that we were of that status—I don’t even think it was a thing back then. And if we were priviledged, the only reason is because my father worked his ass off for a couple of decades to get there. It’s only in recent years that I’ve come to this realization. Talk about unaware… Being unaware is easy; dealing with being privileged, not as much.

So, to the woman who sold her Tesla, mazel tov on the gesture. Thank you for understanding your privilege and doing something about it. Yes, it’s a small gesture and it won’t change the world, but it’s more than most people would do. Small steps are a good start.