To remove barriers and give people a chance to achieve what they desire (if they desire). That doesn't mean everyone will have the same opportunities and/or the same circumstances.

And no it doesn't, this is not an argument against assistance programs.

Seems like an arbitrary line. Lifting someone out of poverty is removing a barrier. Helping people make social connections is removing a barrier.

The hard thing to understand about privilege is that it may have just as many constrictions as having nothing. They are different but can be every bit as challenging to a good life.

I guess people want to believe that if only they were born with more privilege they would be happier and have more freedom to fail. I find that attitude makes the person and circumstances. I won't deny having one's mom rub elbows with the chairman of IBM is a very rare privilege.