We must recognize that we live in an unjust society where the voice of an individual is scaled by their place in it. In the simplest of terms, the voice of the majority is heard before that of the minority. The foul nature of society inhibits an oppressed individual from successfully voicing their concerns. These concerns are immediately dismissed, and depending on the sex, ethnicity, nationality, and/or sexual orientation of the individual, they are then categorized by fallacious stereotypes. For example, a woman pointing out the sexist comments of her classmate is soon labeled a “bitch,” or the gay man that has been harassed daily at work by a co-worker finally decides to say something, but he’s clearly just being “sassy.” These stereotypes — created by the majority — are then used to “rightfully” silence the concerns of the oppressed.
The more the oppressed speak out against discrimination, misogyny, racism, etc., the angrier the oppressors seem to get. It turns into a game of “who’s the victim” where the majority tends to claim this position. Because clearly they are the victims, why should they have to change their bigoted ignorant ideals? Why can’t the minorities and women just go away? And why should they listen to us? The luxury of being part of the majority is… well, in the definition itself. They don’t have to listen, of course, because they are the majority.
If the roles were switched, this would not fly for more than five minutes. So how do we reach them? How do we make the majority understand what they are participating in — or allowing to occur — is completely unjust? Now this is where my good ole white Christian readers come in to play — especially the guys. You hold something within you that you may be unaware of, something that was bestowed to you upon your birth. I am, of course, talking about your privilege.
I am not saying you have it easy. I am not saying that everything you have achieved was handed to you. I’m sure you worked extremely hard to get wherever you are. But, the experience and obstacles you have faced are likely far different from that of minority groups. In particular, this privilege is the ability to be heard. The majority is willing to listen to you. So for starters, use it. You have been given a platform, a platform that has restricted access to women, African Americans, Latinos, members of the LGBTQ community and many more.
Instead of being “not racist,” be an activist. It is great that you personally aren’t sexist, racist, homophobic, etc., but there are millions of people out there who are. And you not being one of them doesn’t solve the problem. We need you to take your privilege and finally use it for us. Use your privilege to bring attention to the inequality that stunts the progression of millions. You don’t have to be black to fight for the rights of black people, you don’t have to be a woman to be a feminist, and you don’t have to be gay to say love is for everyone. Regardless of what anyone tells you, your voice is needed in our fight. With your voice in the mix, we’re a thousand times louder.
