think about one way you’re privileged and what that means

I recently came across a well-articulated definition of privilege: an unearned set of advantages, entitlements, or benefits granted only to a particular person or group of people exercised to the exclusion or detriment of others. (Source: Microsoft Inclusion Journey Library, Introduction to Privilege) I’ve had several conversations about privilege in the last few months and they’ve really made me reflect on what it is, its many forms, and how challenging it is for us to face. So this week, I challenge you to identify one privileged dimension of your identity (e.g., white, able-bodied, high income earner, member of a dominant religion in your community) and ask yourself these questions:

• What unearned advantages, entitlements, or benefits has this privilege given me?

• In what settings does this privilege apply? In what settings might it not apply?

• Do I show up in a way that indicates that I subscribe to this manufactured privilege?

• If so, what can I do differently?

That last question is key. Really dedicate some time to coming up with at least one action you can take. Here are a few ideas.

• Learn about the people your privilege has placed you in a “superior” position to.

• Create space for the voices of people your privilege has excluded - at work, in your community, in your family, etc.

• Find out what people of the identities marginalized by your privileged status think about you. Hint: Comedy is a great source of these insights. It may sting but it’s often very honest.

Privilege is an inherent by-product – and in some cases, an intended outcome – of the divisive systems we live in. We can’t dismantle what we’re not willing to acknowledge. Exercises like this one can go a long way if enough of us are willing to lean into them.