Privilege is Not a Bad Word
Privilege has become a word with a negative connotation and it receives a bad wrap. Privileges were once perks that you received because you accomplished something, such as finishing your chores, doing well in school, or for good behavior. Certain positions or roles also came with privileges (i.e. parking space, access to certain areas, earned rewards). We are all privileged in one way or another and enjoy the added benefits that come along with said privilege. It is not the privilege itself, but what one does with, or how one may decide to exercise their privilege that informs our perspective of the word.
The added benefits that comes with being born white is a topic of discussion that has sparked debate. White privilege is the idea in which being born to the white race automatically grants you freedoms that people of color do not have access to. There are many white people who don’t agree, they feel that they experience grief, sickness, financial hardships and setbacks just like everyone else. A CEO who has a mansion, access to the finer things in life, and has a premium parking space at work, can still experience death, grief, sickness, heartache, and setbacks. The CEO is privileged in a way that money is not a concern but still can experience challenges in life. Often times the word privilege is misunderstood. The word does not mean you do not experience life’s challenges. it means that even though you experience those challenges, you have the added benefit and protection that is tied to that particular privilege.
White privilege means, not having to worry about race and the challenges that are associated with not being a part of the dominate culture. As an African American, educated, middle classed, able bodied, cis-gendered woman, I am privileged in many ways, but still relegated to less than because of my gender and skin color. If true inclusion is the goal for organizations and academic institutions, we have to understand the impacts of privilege and how it informs our engagement with others. Privilege isn’t a bad word, it is how we use our privilege that sets us apart. So use your privilege to help not harm others.
