Quote:
Originally Posted by Elfwreck
Privilege comes in several varieties; lack of privilege in one area (class, wealth) doesn't cancel out privilege in another area (White, male, Christian, able-bodied, heterosexual, etc.)
Privilege means you are granted certain rights and advantages, which you were told everyone had or should have--but they don't. It's hard to notice, because it's not measured in individual acts but in overall patterns. And people like to claim that, if one person can overcome oppression and get into a position of power despite societal bias, there must not be any bias.
See: A CONCISE HISTORY OF BLACK-WHITE RELATIONS IN THE U.S.A. |
"White"? That's cancelled out by the 'gimme-a-job-or-access-to-higher-education-because-I'm-not-white' programs. "Male"? Oh right. You mean the 'privilege' of being told you're not hireable because the company can't get the tax breaks they can by hiring a *female*, *lesbian*, *Wiccan*. "Able-bodied"? Now *here* I *SHOULD* shine, being disabled. Guess what? No one wants to make 'reasonable accomodations' for me! Looks like I won't be working for Yet Another Year!
Tell me again about all those benefits I have because I'm white, male and Christian? Please, do! I *need* to hear a good fantasy story tonight!
Derke