Recognising Privilege
The focus of privilege has been a very deliberate choice on this platform, and is something we have been very conscious of through each discussion and discourse we pursue. The intention of such a focus is not to exclude, rather challenge a particular group of people who often have the largest impact on our society and those considered in vulnerable positions.
Through this, we aim at making people aware of their privileged position and the impact they may have on others as a result.
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Being aware of your privilege should not be seen as a burden. Rather, being aware of your position and power within society should be viewed as an opportunity to learn and be responsible, so we can collectively challenge our current systems that are limiting others to the same opportunities we so freely and easily benefit from.
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Being aware and using our privilege for good, allows for an inclusive world for everyone.
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"The more privilege you have, the more opportunity you have. The more opportunity you have, the more responsibility you have."
- Noam Chomsky
Knowing Your Impact
Expanding on this platform's focus on privilege, we understand that recognising and discussing privilege is a sensitive and often uncomfortable process. However, it is also a crucial step toward fostering empathy and understanding.
By acknowledging the different types of privilege—whether based on race, gender, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, or other factors—we can begin to see how these advantages affect our experiences and interactions with others. This recognition is not about inducing guilt or shame but about fostering a deeper awareness of the structural inequalities that persist in our society.
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Privilege, when understood and acknowledged, can serve as a powerful tool for social change. It enables those who benefit from it to leverage their influence and resources to amplify marginalised voices and advocate for equitable policies and practices. Recognising one's privilege also encourages individuals to listen more carefully to the experiences of others, particularly those who face systemic disadvantages.
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Moreover, understanding privilege invites us to question and challenge the status quo. It encourages us to dismantle the systems and structures that perpetuate inequality and injustice, rather than passively accepting them. By becoming allies and advocates for those who do not share our privileges, we can work toward creating a society where opportunities are more fairly distributed, and everyone's rights and dignity are respected.
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In this sense, privilege can be reimagined as a call to action. It asks those who have it to use their advantages not just for personal gain but to contribute to the greater good. It challenges us to think about how we can help create a world where privilege is not a determining factor in one’s ability to succeed or be treated fairly. By actively engaging in this work, we move closer to a future where equity and inclusion are the norms, not the exceptions.
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Ultimately, this platform encourages us to view privilege as a shared responsibility. We all have a role to play in building a more inclusive and just society. This involves recognising our own privileges, listening to and learning from others, and using our power to enact meaningful change. Together, we can create a world where everyone, regardless of their starting point, has the opportunity to thrive.
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Privilege =
"An unearned advantage and access to power based on the benefit of being apart of a dominant social group".
It's important to note that 'white privilege' or 'racial privilege' is only one form of privilege.
Privilege is also found in many other forms, including gender, sexual orientation, able-bodiness, class, religion and so forth.
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Privilege Check List For Beginners
White
Hetero-Sexual
Able- Bodied
Male
Cis-Gendered
Christian
Peggy McIntosh, an Associate Director of the Wellesley College Center for Research on Women, is best known for her influential work on white privilege. In her seminal 1989 essay, "White Privilege: Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack".
McIntosh created a checklist of privileges that white people often take for granted in the U.S. Here’s an overview of some of the key items from that checklist, which highlights everyday societal advantages that white individuals experience:
Representation in Media
"I can turn on the television or open to the front page of the paper and see people of my race widely represented."
Neutral or Positive Depictions of Race
"When I am told about our national heritage or about 'civilization,' I am shown that people of my color made it what it is."
Freedom from Race-Based Stereotyping
"I can be pretty sure that my neighbors in such a location will be neutral or pleasant to me."
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Unquestioned Access to Spaces
"I can go shopping alone most of the time, pretty well assured that I will not be followed or harassed."
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Educational Curriculum Reflects One's Own Heritage
"I can be sure that my children will be given curricular materials that testify to the existence of their race."
Travel Without Fear
"I can travel alone or with my family without fear of being harassed or mistreated because
of my race."
Safety from the Law
"If a police officer pulls me over I can be sure I haven’t been singled out because of my race."
Freedom from Racial Profiling
"I can walk through a store without being followed or closely monitored by security because
of assumptions about
my race."