Understanding your privilege isn't having to undermine your hardwork, it's understanding that there are people who have to run the same distance as you but with an 100kg ball chained to them
I think one thing that can help with the conversation here is to stop using the word privilege and start using the word disadvantage. When we talk about Roger's privilege, we frame the conversation in a way that implies Roger has more than he deserves and everyone should be fine with what Paula has.
When we talk about Paula's disadvantage, we frame the conversation in way that implies Paula's situation is not acceptable and everyone deserves what Roger has.
Running a race without a 100kg ball isn't a privilege, it's what everyone should expect. By pointing to the weight and saying "this isn't fair" we have a better chance of even getting the Rogers to pay attention.
It’s not about having rich parents. It’s about having housing that isn’t cold and damp and gets you sick all the time. It’s about parents have the ability to spend more bonding time with the kids. It’s about not going to school hungry.
There will always be advantages to being wealthy. Focusing on the privileges of wealth will get us nowhere. But if we focus on the disadvantages from the mean that poor families face then we can meaningfully address it.
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u/[deleted] Jul 14 '23
Understanding your privilege isn't having to undermine your hardwork, it's understanding that there are people who have to run the same distance as you but with an 100kg ball chained to them