I am not, perhaps, the person to talk about privilege. Then, again, I might be the ideal person. After all, I fall under nearly every category of “privilege” as a male who is white, heterosexual, tall, able-bodies, educated, healthy, wealthy (in comparison to most of the world), etc. So, yes, it is hard for me to understand the challenges and downright hurt that many communities of individuals experience. I can, however, empathize to some degree with those who feel attacked by the phrase “white privilege”.
I would prefer that the discussion begin with simply “privilege”. For one, I am not a fan of labels, as labels tend to favor division rather than understanding. “Privilege” is a rather complex concept. It isn’t as simple as male/female, white/black, etc. As a physiologist, I understand that the principle of “individuality” is at play. Those who work with the issues of diversity might refer to this as “intersectionality”. Intersectionality is a term, coined by Kimberlé Crenshaw, that suggests the interconnected nature of social categorizations as they apply to groups or individuals to create overlapping and interdependent systems of discrimination and disadvantage. Thus, everyone can be categorized as a system of overlapping disadvantages (and advantages). A problem I see with a categorical approach to diversity is that it always leaves someone marginalized. (An institution may hire a female for “gender equity”, but the process may favor whites over persons of color. The hiring process may pursue “race equity” and still disadvantage members of the LGBT+ community. And so on.) “Privilege”, then, is intersectional.
Privilege is a Spiritual problem. As “well-centered” individuals, we understand that we are not the center of the Universe—that there is a purpose greater than self. As such, we must “allow space for the soul to speak”. We must listen without judgement to those who feel oppressed and marginalized. We must also not make assumptions—from either side of privilege. Spiritual well-centeredness seeks inclusiveness from the perspective of Purpose and the interconnectedness of individuals. It is not right, for example, to respond “black lives matter” with “all lives matter” without addressing the problems that have led to the statement “black lives matter”. It is not enough to address the marginalized categorically. We must treat everyone as an individual. We cannot assume anyone’s circumstance. We should also not demonize privilege. Rather, we should look to use our own privilege for the welfare of others. Diversity is a blessing. We must be inclusive and accepting, but, moreover, we have to recognize that everyone is uniquely gifted (i.e., “privileged”). We must use our personal privilege to enable others to reveal themselves. Privilege must become something to be shared rather than remain an instrument for oppression.
Be your best today; be better tomorrow…for others.
Carpe momento!