Trivializing Privilege

Privilege is a tough subject to talk about, and not one that people understand fully. This Buzzfeed article shares the story of how one teacher tried to teach privilege to their students. It’s a very simplistic activity that involves throwing paper and fairness. But, as some people have pointed out, privilege isn't just throwing paper. Jeff Wang, the author of this article shared his opinion on the classroom activity. And it’s an important perspective to keep in mind.

When we talk about privilege we need to make sure that everyone can understand us. But we also need to ensure that we aren't trivializing the hardships that a lack of privilege causes. Equating privilege to throwing paper is helpful in understanding the concept, but not the consequences. We always have to keep in mind that a lack of privilege isn't a missed basket. It’s higher death rates, higher incarceration rates, higher odds of rape and assault, it’s the refusal of medical care, and then being blamed for it.

But we all have privilege. You have the technology (computer or phone) to read this blog post, and even the knowledge of the English language to read it. Class privilege and educational privilege at work. Keep note that privilege changes from culture to culture. Minorities are majorities elsewhere in the world. Knowing English is a privilege in the United States because it is so prevalent. Trying to exist in the US without knowing English is difficult, hence that knowledge being a privilege.

Are we just meant to feel bad for the privileges we have, and what do we do with it? Youtube content creator Mele, explains what to do with privilege very well in her latest video. She talks about using privilege to empower others. That privilege is not meant to shame people or guilt others. But when people are aware of their privilege they can truly work together with each other to achieve better environments for marginalized groups.

We all have our own identities and backgrounds, and from that we all have different privileges. And in order to truly work together we need to have empathy for those who don’t have what we do. And then once we are aware of our own personal privilege and bias, change can happen.