AthenaAwakened
Contributor
- Joined
- Sep 17, 2003
- Messages
- 5,338
- Location
- Right behind you so ... BOO!
- Basic Beliefs
- non-theist, anarcho-socialist
Privilege is not something you keep in a barrel like pickles and you just reach your hand in when you need some. It is more like you are a fish and privilege is the water you swim in.
An Example of privilege is:
I get to get lost in strange buildings because I don't have to remember how I get into places. I can walk. I can take more than one route. I can go into a building on a ramp and come out using steps. Any exit will get me out.
A person in a wheelchair cannot do these things. They have to remember how they get into places because that is often the only way they can get out. They have to pay attention to where exit signs are and if they are handicap accessible. They have to know how wide hallways are and if all or only some bathrooms are accessible to them. Things the able bodied don't have to think about.
That's how privilege works. It is the gift of not having to think about certain things. It is the gift of freedom from certain concerns, concerns members of other groups must always consider. It is the gift of having the world automatically fit me.
And privilege comes in more than one size, more than one flavor. And most people have privileges in one area and lack privilege in others. So they find themselves fighting what hinders them and not thinking about what hinders others.
You are not to blame for the privileges you have or have not. These things were set up before you were born. But if you can't find in your heart to empathize with others who lack your privilege, do not wish to truly investigate what privilege is, and want to attack not privilege but the people who lack it ...
That's on you.
An Example of privilege is:
I get to get lost in strange buildings because I don't have to remember how I get into places. I can walk. I can take more than one route. I can go into a building on a ramp and come out using steps. Any exit will get me out.
A person in a wheelchair cannot do these things. They have to remember how they get into places because that is often the only way they can get out. They have to pay attention to where exit signs are and if they are handicap accessible. They have to know how wide hallways are and if all or only some bathrooms are accessible to them. Things the able bodied don't have to think about.
That's how privilege works. It is the gift of not having to think about certain things. It is the gift of freedom from certain concerns, concerns members of other groups must always consider. It is the gift of having the world automatically fit me.
And privilege comes in more than one size, more than one flavor. And most people have privileges in one area and lack privilege in others. So they find themselves fighting what hinders them and not thinking about what hinders others.
You are not to blame for the privileges you have or have not. These things were set up before you were born. But if you can't find in your heart to empathize with others who lack your privilege, do not wish to truly investigate what privilege is, and want to attack not privilege but the people who lack it ...
That's on you.