Shifting Systemic Privilege through privilege awareness building.

A fundamental power of "normal" is how embedded it is. Not the word, but practices of.

Identifying links between 'normal' and 'privileged' is key to any social change.

Any change initiative addressing the tough -isms: racism, sexism, heterosexism, classism, ableism, etc. requires reclaiming and using the words.

But for many, these words create discomfort; uncomfortable emotions: anxiety, guilt, defensiveness.
It is more comfortable for many to talk about: diversity, tolerance, cultural sensitivity, cultural safety, equity, inclusion, etc.

Words with smoother edges. So broad and slippery they slide off tongues in meetings and documents.

How many times have those with privileges felt pangs of discomfort when patriarchy, sexism, and male privilege have been stated out-loud in an organizational setting?

Maybe most?

Yet, words like 'diversity' are basic obviousness. We are all diverse. Every single person is different. Thus, diverse... inherently.

'Diversity training'- never a duller, empty combination of words has been created.
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What is lost in fluffery are real outcomes, realities, and impacts. Those occur all the while, within the unexamined 'norm'. So do the systems which try to measure the "-isms".

"Taking action, through measurement...benchmarks..."
But, racism, sexism, ageism are not numbers games. These are experiences; realities.

Privilege structured, and continues to structure, systems and impacts people. Generally, impacting those without certain privileges more than those with. Then why not focus on the damage that privilege can do? Because, it's the norm...?

It is a fantasy to believe that we can instigate change and shift privileges through only trying to change the ways individuals think, esp. about others.

Look no further than decades of public health campaigns focussed on anti-smoking and benefits of healthy diets + exercise- and, the number of folks engaging the opposite.

Systems (institutions like education) are built and support privileges (norms)- intermeshed privileges. These must be examined and reflected upon, starting from the role of one's Self within (see diagram).

Privileges become entrenched as 'norms'. This is probably why privilege awareness disappears in most training. It raises emotions.

Why question norms, the apparent average? (Especially if doing so raises discomfort and defences.)

Having privileges means having wriggle room. Avoid the discomfort, divert attention from emotions by creating other words to slip around hard realities, such as: "what's my role in all of this?"

Talking of 'psychological safety' and 'equity' and 'diversity' creates paths with less resistance- and false sense of action.

Why self-reflect and engage one's own privileges, when it's simpler to look at others' marginalization?

Start with one's Self and acknowledge that privilege and oppression exist, and everyone plays a part. Reclaim the words. Engage the emotional processes and discomfort.

More to come.

Thoughts?