Intersectional Privilege
by Genesis
Rivera
Privilege can be defined as a special right, advantage, or
immunity granted or available only to a particular person or group of people.
More simply, we can define privilege as a set of unearned benefits given to
people who fit into a specific social group. These privileges are granted by
society through values and norms based on aspects of one’s identity. Aspects of
a person’s identity can include race, class, gender, sexual orientation,
language, geographical location, ability, and religion.
It
has been said that privilege is the silent partner of oppression; it is not as
easy to identify, and its benefactors cannot separate themselves from it. Another important thing to notice is that
everyone has some form of privilege, and privileged groups have power over
oppressed groups. Privileged people are more likely to be in positions of power
– for example, they’re more likely to dominate politics, be economically
sustainable, have influence over the media, and hold executive positions in
companies.
It’s
also important to remember that we cannot look at privilege individually, but
rather systemically. While individual experiences are important, we have to try
to understand privilege in terms of systems and social patterns. We’re looking
at the rule, not the exception to the rule. A straight white male is given his
immense privilege through institutional powers not through his own work ethic
or positive attitude. It’s important to bear this in mind because privilege
doesn’t go both ways. Female privilege does not exist because women don’t have
institutional power. Similarly, black privilege, trans-privilege, and poor
privilege doesn't exist because those groups do not have institutional power.
However,
women, people of color, the LGBTQ+ community, religious minorities, and poor
people can have privilege in other aspects of their identities. Privileges
and oppressions affect each other, but they don’t negate each other. For
example, while all women
experience sexism, the sexism that black women experience is unique in that it
is informed by racism. White women can separate sexism from their white
identity and make choices that would only serve the identity they value more;
i.e. the 54% of white women that voted for a man that boasts about objectifying
and groping women. Black males can have
the privilege of not having to worry about sexual assault while walking down
the streets at night, but still have to suffer the oppression of racism. Even
black women and black transwomen, often considered the two most oppressed
groups in America, can have the privilege of not having to suffer the effects
of ableism; ableism is discrimination in favor of able bodied people.
The
most interesting form of privilege for this generation, however, may be white
gay male privilege. To borrow a phrase
from Michelle
Alexander:
like racism, heterosexism is highly adaptable. Gay kids continue to be bullied
at school and kicked out of their homes. Gay seniors get forced back into the
closet at nursing homes. In many places, it is socially acceptable for two
white gay males to marry, be approved for a mortgage or loan, stay in hotel
rooms together, and express public displays of affection. And if you are
wondering why, think of the skills of those who learned to lobby and write
op-eds and talk with their friends and neighbors about equality for LGBTQ+
people. Think of the millions of dollars that were raised and poured into
winning the freedom to marry. Think of the mayors and governors and elected
leaders around the country with whom the LGBTQ+ community has built
relationships. And think of all the people who were given a chance to really
get to know a gay person before they even came out to them.
What
if white gay males took all of that same effort and dedication and threw it at
our world’s greatest challenges? Standing shoulder to shoulder with the Black Lives
Matter organizers as they
collectively demand justice and systemic reform. Lobbying our elected leaders
to protect transgender people from discrimination and violence.
Marching with the DREAMers
as they fight for immigration reform. All while acknowledging their allies and
the debt of gratitude they owe to Horace Julian Bond, a leader in the civil
rights movement, and Dolores Huerta, a Mexican-American woman who advocated for
American laborers.
All
aspects of our identities interact with one another. We experience the aspects
of our identities collectively and simultaneously, not individually. The
interaction between different aspects of our identities is often referred to as
an intersection. The term intersectionality was coined by Kimberlé Crenshaw, who used it to
describe the experiences of black women – who experience both sexism and
racism.
Because
of the way we use “privilege” every day, people often get upset when others
point out some of their privileges. Often we think of privilege as “special
advantages,” it is the aspect of thinking that has become the quintessential
dilemma of this issue. Privileges cannot go on being exclusive. Men do not have
to worry about gender-based discrimination. White people do not have to worry
about racism. Cisgender heterosexuals do not have to worry about sexuality
based discrimination. Everyone should expect to be treated that way. Everyone
has a right to be treated that way.
The problem is that certain people aren’t treated that way. We don’t use the
term “privilege” because we don’t think everyone deserves this treatment. We
call privilege “privilege” because we acknowledge that not everyone experiences
it.
Lastly, people often get defensive when someone points out
that they have privilege. The positive connotation that comes with the word is
often detrimental to its meaning. Many people think that having privilege means
you have had an easy life. As such, they feel personally attacked when people
point out their privilege. To them, it feels as if someone is saying that they
haven’t worked hard or endured any difficulties. But, you can be privileged and
still have a difficult life. Privilege doesn’t mean that your life is easy, but
rather that it’s easier than others. It means that life is more difficult for
those who don’t have the systemic privilege you have.
So What Now?
Acknowledging
someone’s privilege is in no way intended to make them feel guilty. Nor is it
sufficient to acknowledge your privilege, feel guilty, and go on carelessly
living a privileged life. We don’t want you to feel guilty. We want you to join
us in challenging the systems that privilege some people and oppress others.
Guilt is an unhelpful feeling: it makes us feel ashamed, which prevents us from
speaking out and bringing about change. You don’t need to feel guilty for having
privilege because having privilege is not your fault: It’s not something you
chose. But what you can choose is to work against biased institutions by
utilizing your privilege
in a way that challenges oppressive systems instead of perpetuating them.
I’d
recommend that you read more about the concepts of oppression and privilege in
order to expand your understanding. The links at the end of this article are a
good place to start. Second, we need to take action. Listen to people who
experience oppression. Learn about how you can work in solidarity
with oppressed groups. Admission of white privilege could lead to a complacency
that leads individuals away from anti-racist activism. Instead, join feminist
and activist communities in order to support those you have privilege over.
Focus on teaching other privileged people about their privilege, all while
admitting that you are no expert and directing them to the proper information.
In
order to check your privilege you should start by taking the following quizzes.
None are perfect, but they can help you get an idea of what you are starting
with.
More
references:
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