Discrimination Is… A Privilege? (Part 2)

In the context of discrimination, privilege is a concept that is often subject to heated debate because there are questions as to whether or not it even exists.

Given the sensitive but important nature of this topic we will investigate it in a three part series covering the following:

– What is privilege?

– Why is privilege so controversial?

– What should we do about privilege?

So in part two we must ask:

Why is privilege so controversial?

As stated in part one, in this context, privilege is something that is difficult to see for those who have it. However, points such as this are often difficult for people to accept because of their previous understanding of what privilege actually is. Often, when explaining to someone that they are ‘privileged’ reactions ranging from anger to incredulity toward the fact that their life may be ‘easier’ because they are white/straight/christian/male etc. will ensue.

Such a reaction is not unfair, after all just because one possesses a form of privilege does not mean that everything in life is handed to them on a silver platter and because of the connotations of the word ‘privilege’ it can sometimes appear that this is what is being suggested. So much so that due to privilege some people believe that there is a growth in reverse discrimination.

Reverse discrimination is discrimination against members of a dominant or majority group or in favor of members of a minority or historically disadvantaged group. Groups may be defined in terms of race, gender, ethnicity, or other factors. For example, Qantas Airways’s has a policy of not allowing male passengers to sit next to children travelling alone for fear of child molestation. This has been criticized by persons concerned as act of reverse discrimination against men.

Given examples such as the above it is clear to see why privilege is such a tense subject as some people consider it to imply that they should be punished or forced to feel guilty for their privilege. For example, this advertising campaign caused a stir as it was seen to make said implication as we can note via  this article:

Other injustices that the campaign pointed out included:  “We’re lucky we don’t get stared at every single time we walk into a room” and “We’re lucky that’s it’s easier to get a job, a bank loan, and approval in general” and comments included:

So every white should be held accountible for the actions of a few ? Should we focus on the actions of the individual instead of the skin color of the person doing the actions? This only perpetuates and paints with a broad brush.. that is no better than what they say they are trying to stop.  I have had a hard time getting a loan. I have been treated unfairly and discriminated against. Blacks are discriminated against by other blacks for “acting white”. I have no control over another persons actions or abilities.

So because minorities aren’t graduating at the same rate as whites AND Asians (they NEVER mention asians hmmmm), they are incarcerated more than whites AND asians blah blah blah.  I guess the white people are supposed to be punished?

We believe that the cause of such feelings stems from the fact that the word privilege is a bit of a misnomer but it is very difficult to come up with a word that describes the concept without riling people up. Privilege is foremost understood by many to relate to things that are earnt and as stated unless you are a minority (generally speaking) until you are told of your privilege you are unaware of it.

Privilege is not about placing blame, nor suggesting that anyone should be punished or feel guilty. Instead it is about spreading awareness of some of the injustices that other people face. The aim of spreading awareness of this type of discrimination is so that people can begin to help #wearitdown. After all, until you are aware and understand that there is a problem there is no way that you can fix it.

In our final post on privilege we will share ways of helping people to understand it in a non accusatory manner.

If you have been speaking in a discriminatory manner, or are told by someone that you are, please remember that this should not be regarded as an attack. It is an attempt to educate. Discriminatory language wears everyone down, not only those in minority groups, because it prevents understanding and empathy. It’s time to switch things up and wear down discrimination itself. #WearItDown