Privilege:
Does "Who We Are" Always Reflect "Where We're From"?

"Like fish in the water, we swim in an ocean of meaning rarely aware of our surroundings."
~John Kotre

Consider the above statement: are you really aware of your surroundings?
Fish are unaware of the water because they have always been in it;
only when they are taken out of it do they notice it, and then they notice the lack of water, rather than the water itself.
Like fish, it is difficult for us to be aware of the structures surrounding us,
particularly when they serve us or benefit us in some way.

We live in a world constructed by power and privilege.
We often have no control over this and may not even be aware of it.
Consider the definition of privilege in the glossary. In your journal, make a list of the groups
you are part of and how membership in those groups gives you an advantage over others. Consider gender, age, class, race, ethnicity, education, sexual orientation, among others.

Can you see how these various memberships help you and grant you freedom
in some instances? Can you see how some memberships do not work to your benefit?

Try the following exercise, called "The Privilege Walk" with your classmates.
How did you feel while doing this exercise? What did you learn?
Do you see privilege in your school, your neighborhood, city, state and country?
What can you do to increase your awareness and compassion,
and reduce resistance or fear?
Click here.