That&#x27;s not the point of the phrase, and even I think it&#x27;s a bit tired by now.<p>The phrase asks the speaker to reevaluate their unspoken assumptions. I think &#x27;lighten up and accept that the world is shitty&#x27; is a reactionary mode of thought, as if the &#x27;real world&#x27; is a vast, static, unassailable entity and not an ever-changing tapestry of human activity. It is not a reasoned argument, it is not a response in a conversation, it is a demand that people shut the fuck up because the things they care about aren&#x27;t worth caring about.<p>&quot;check your privilege&quot; is a diplomatic and concise way of saying &#x27;you have no fucking idea what you&#x27;re talking about, and yet you feel entitled to control the conversation; maybe stop doing that?&#x27;.