Is it strictly due to demographics, or are those demographics shaped by historical discrimination?
This is an important point. Many people are quick to dismiss why, for example, there are more black men in prison than any other demographic because "they just commit more crimes." This view is oversimplifying the issue. You have to think deeper than that, and ask yourself why?
As such, the conversation shouldn’t be, “Check your privilege, stupid!” but rather, “How can we work to make sure that we are understanding and undermining the system of oppression and privilege that hurts all of us?”
This is a great way to have a conversation about privilege. People who are just now learning about the concept or who may be skeptical of it would react in a more positive way if they're presented with an actual action to complete.
As global citizens, we have the revolutionary ability to transform the political, economic, and social environment by recognizing that injustice creates a societal imbalance that negatively impacts everyone.
This part stuck out to me, as I feel like many people dismiss the idea of privilege because they think it would be impossible to create change, but it's 2021! We can create change; we have the ability to do so.
Male privilege isn’t helping anyone ultimately thoug
I agree! Male privilege and the idea of toxic masculinity are harmful to everyone, including men themselves.
I find that structuring a conversation that includes the way people have and don’t have privileges makes it easier for others to understand the power of privilege in creating a system of oppression - and this process is transformative.
This is so true. People love to talk about themselves, and when a situation becomes personal it can be easier to understand.
I find that part of the issue in discussing privilege, is that even individuals who have LOTS of privilege want to be acknowledged for their hardships.
This is very true. It's important to realize that most people have struggled, but you can acknowledge this while also realizing privilege has played a role as well.
As a white person, I realize that I have been taught about privilege as something that puts others at a disadvantage, but I haven’t been taught to see one of its corally aspects - that my privilege puts me at an advantage over others.
This is an important point. If privilege can negatively affect certain groups of people, then it must positively affect other groups.
“Well, who is to say she is privileged? She could be experiencing a lot of things that make her life hard.”
This is a comment I've heard a lot when talking about privilege with those who don't believe in the idea. Privilege simply means that your identities help rather than hinder you in your daily life. It does not mean that your life is perfect or that you've never had to struggle.
My profession puts me in the position of assisting individuals who are in need of resources, and who are often facing economic, educational, and environmental conditions different than my own
This is relevant for teaching as well. Many, if not most, of my students will not come from a similar background as I did.