Am I Privileged?
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

Am I Privileged?

Short answer: probably!

266
Am I Privileged?
Chicago Tribune

Throughout times of political and social discourse, it's common to see the word "privilege" thrown around. Depending on the context of this word, it can be an insult to many. A misunderstanding of privilege and our nature to jump to anger has created a negative context to a trait that isn't necessarily bad. It may lead you to ask yourself, "Am I privileged?" The short answer: probably!

But this isn't necessarily a bad thing.

To start, there are two kinds of privilege: born privilege and earned privilege. Born privilege is predetermined and often based on factors such as race, gender and sexual orientation. This means that if you are born outside of a marginalized group, you have certain societal privileges over those marginalized. For instance, if you're a heterosexual, cisgendered Caucasian man, you will have a born advantage over a bisexual, genderfluid African-American woman.

Earned privileges are advantages we work for, like a pay raise based on experience and hard work.

So why do people use privilege as an insult?

It is extremely common that people allow their privilege to blind them from the real struggles of those not as lucky. This idea prevailed after the women's marches on inauguration day. One of the biggest criticisms of the marches from men (and women, yikes) was that women in America are equal to men. Male privilege allows people to put their blinders on solely because they have not experienced persecution over their gender.

In Vedantam's novel "The Hidden Brain," the author states that:

“Those who travel with the current will always feel they are good swimmers; those who swim against the current may never realize they are better swimmers than they imagine.”

This metaphor for privilege shows us just how blind we can be to socioeconomic advantages we did nothing to earn. You can be privileged and know nothing about it.

You cannot avoid born privilege — you're born into it, and you die with it. There are, however, ways to use your privilege for good. Start by accepting it. If you recognize your privilege, you cannot allow it to blind you. Speak up against the marginalization of minorities. Your privilege gives you a voice, use it well. Understand that when those who are not as privileged as you are taking stance, if you do not side with them, you are against them.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

19469
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

947445
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

123945
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lots of people sat on the cinema wearing 3D glasses
Pinterest

Ever wonder what your friend meant when they started babbling about you taking their stapler? Or how whenever you ask your friend for a favor they respond with "As You Wish?" Are you looking for new and creative ways to insult your friends?

Well, look no further. Here is a list of 70 of the most quotable movies of all time. Here you will find answers to your questions along with a multitude of other things such as; new insults for your friends, interesting characters, fantastic story lines, and of course quotes to log into your mind for future use.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments