It seems as though the word “privileged” has been thrown around the country for the past couple of months. Racially and generically speaking, it has been aimed at white people and thrown by black people. As a society, we are both quick to become defensive at a label we do not identify with and assign labels to people we do not know based on stereotypical factors (e.g. sexual orientation, race, gender, gender identity). However, in order to begin an authentic conversation about privilege and how to assist those without it, we must desensitize its harsh connotation.

According to Dictionary.com, privilege is “a right, immunity, or benefit enjoyed only by a person beyond the advantages of most.” Because it is more likely for a person of color to be followed in a store, pulled over on the highway, or looked at suspiciously because of clothing, it is assumed that white people have all the privilege and the conversation is over. However, it has just begun. Race is not the only determining factor when it comes to privilege.

Regardless of any detriment, a person has privilege. If you are able to walk at night without the fear of being sexually harassed, you have privilege. If you grew up with both parents, you have privilege. If you are able to walk on your own two feet without assistance, you have privilege. If you are able to walk outside, holding your partner’s hand without fear of assault, you have privilege. If you don’t have to worry about your next meal, you have privilege. Privilege lies in the little everyday things that we take for granted.

The purpose of acknowledging the “p” word is not to make a person feel bad about what they have, but rather to make them aware of it—to appreciate it. As soon as we can acknowledge what we have, we are more readily able to lend a helping hand to those who don’t.

Why does the fact that I have privilege mean that I have to help someone who doesn’t? When you acknowledge your privilege, or "check your privilege," as it is often called, you realize roles you can play to cause change. Let’s take for instance the outrage over police killing people of color. As a white person, when considering white audiences, you are put on a platform with a microphone and the audience is silent. If you were much darker, you could expect to have to find your way to the platform and expect backlash from the audience. As a white person, you’ll have more clout because you don’t fit in the angry black person stereotype. Your arguments will be met with reason because it will be assumed that you have education and have researched all the facts. You have a better chance of having a conversation instead of harsh words thrown back and forth without any real communication. With this platform, you can include stories of people of color. Stories that would otherwise be silenced.

When you acknowledge your privilege, you acknowledge the ability to enlist change.