Exploring Privilege Discussion

Before responding to the discussion prompt below, read "White Privilege: Unpacking the Invisible Backpack" Links to an external site. by Peggy Macintosh.

I hope you enjoy this essay.  White privilege can be hard to talk about because many white people are like, "life is still hard for me!  I'm struggling too!"—that kind of this.  Macintosh's essay, at least in my view, explains white privilege in a way that's more understandable for white people and that will ring true for many minorities.

However, we are all privileged in some way.  And I'd like to explore that in our discussion this week.  

POST a 150 word response to the prompt below by Monday, 11/21, 10 pm.

RETURN on 11/22 to respond to 2 other responses.  Add to their ideas or make suggestions.

PROMPT:  Select one of the types of privilege below, and list as many privileges as you can that apply to this group, and offer explanation where you think it's necessary.  Model Macintosh's format, and think about it in this "I don't have to worry about X" format.  "I can expect that..." or "I can expect to be treated in X manner."  This focuses on bringing to light the privileges that some o fun are are missing out on.

Look at the types of privilege that have already been covered by other students and try to spread the discussion around (there will obviously be a lot of overlap since there are 5 types of privilege and about 18 of you).

Here is the list of the types of privilege, with examples added in to get you started:

• Economic Privilege (example: I can assume that one day I will probably inherit money that I did not work for.)
• Ability Privilege - meaning physical or mental ability (example: I can assume that when I arrive at a building, I will be able to easily get inside.  I will not have to worry about ramps or the size of doors, etc.)
• Heterosexual Privilege (example: I can assume that if I show affection to my partner in public, no one will have a problem with it, I won't be harassed, and I certainly won't be harmed for doing so.)
• Religious (Christian) Privilege (example: I can assume that there will be many songs, movies, books, toys, clothing, etc that celebrate my major religious holiday, and that these forms of media are considered the norm. Basically, Christmas.)
• Male Privilege (example: I do not have to be concerned about the messages that my clothing might send about my promiscuity.)
• Education Privilege: (example: I can assume that I will be minimally required for most jobs. ) 

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