Navigating and reflecting on knots of privilege.

'Privilege' is not a bad word; having it does not = 'bad person'. The word arose from Latin privus ("individual") and lex ("law"). Some things to ponder in the knots...👇

Sociologist Harry Brod wrote in his book Men's Lives:

"Privilege is not something I take and which I therefore have the option of not taking. It is something that society gives me, and unless I change the institutions which give it to me, they will continue to give it, and I will continue to have it, however noble and egalitarian my intentions."

Thus, if one is suggested (or, even accused) of having privilege- it's not a personal attack. It's also structures, systems & history- and, it's fluid.

Privilege is fully knotted in many social constructions: class, race, age, gender, sex, preferences, geography, and so on. It's also context-specific.

Why is knowledge and awareness of privilege sheltered? I feel, it's not taught; rarely written about, yet, is present in every social setting and interaction- like oxygen.

It's 'polarizing' to mention- and, yet many of us speak of marginalization, oppression, sexism, and others- rather openly, fluidly. Design org. plans for them.

Privilege is discussed as much as bowel movements... in other words: it's not- except in some contexts (e.g. medical check-up).

Privilege is everywhere (like bowel movements...); yet, invisible. Paradoxically, not being aware of privilege is a function of privilege.

There are many privileges, including:

• male

• heterosexual

• traditional family

• non-disability

• young adult and middle-age

• white

• English-speaking and literate

• middle or upper class

• legislated

• geography
  

Reflecting on privilege does not have to be public (e.g. step forward- step back exercise). It can be done personally.

Some questions to ponder:
• What privileges might I have that are unearned, and how might these contribute to the ones I earned?

• What assumptions, ideas, beliefs do I have about people that I view as dis-advantaged? Where do these come from? Do I see them as personal issues, or linked to society? Why? How might I be mistaken?

• What do I know- and maybe assume- about relating to, and interpreting the behavior and realities of others who are in similar social scenarios-locations as me (e.g. class, race, sex, ability, religion, etc.)?
- And, those different?
-Why?

• What have I learned and internalized about those different (class, sex, race ability, etc.)? Why?

• Do I tend to lean towards 'personal choices' as to why some might be less advantaged? What social factors may I have not considered? What structural factors (e.g. law, legislation, history) may I not be aware of? Can I learn more?

• Where I have I 'learned' my perspectives? How might my schooling have impacted my views? My family? Friends? Media?

• Why might it be 'easier' for many ppl to discuss marginalization, but not the flip side: privilege?
_ _ _ _

Exploring privilege through self-reflection is a key tool, but it won't unravel the social knots.

Thoughts?