A common privilege

Whitney Blake, Cavalier Daily Opinion Columnist  

WHAT COMES to mind when you hear the word "privilege?" We hear it all the time, but we often fail to stop and ponder its true meaning. To explore this concept further, the Minority Rights Coalition hosted Rev. Dr. Jamie Washington, president and founder of the Washington Consulting Group and former professor and administrator at the University of Maryland-Baltimore County. Washington spoke and facilitated group discussions among attendees on Monday as part of a weeklong MRC campaign with the theme "Hoos Got Privilege." Overall, the forum produced a constructive dialogue on the topic of privilege and exposed people to new perspectives on the subject. He shared several pieces of advice and wisdom that many of us here at the University would be wise to listen to and internalize.

One of the most important points that we sometimes forget here at the University that cannot be underscored enough is this: All of us have privilege, in one form or another and, first and foremost, we must acknowledge this. In the beginning of the session, several students observed that the conversation topic often focuses on one specific type of privilege -- that associated with race. The event attempted to move beyond thinking about privilege with tunnel vision, which MRC Chair Adrienne Patton emphasized in her introduction.

Washington shared his personal story of his evolving attitudes. He recalled his sophomoric feelings toward privilege: He had none of it and was subjugated as a black man. Then, through various experiences, he had several epiphanies about the many areas in his life in which he did have privilege. As a male, his voice was heard in a corporate meeting while female voices were ignored. He doesn't have to worry about his physical safety to the extent that women do. As a Christian, his religion is the most widely practiced in America. As a well-educated man, he is automatically given more respect and deference than a high-school dropout is. As an able-bodied person, he doesn't have to cope with disabilities that challenge many. As you can see, privilege manifests itself in an infinite number of ways.

I asked Washington in an impromptu interview following the event if he thought there is anyone who isn't privileged at all. He said no, but he did mention that some people don't realize they are. This can be problematic if one adopts a negative victim hood mentality. You can always find someone smarter, richer, healthier, prettier, thinner, taller, stronger, etc. than the next person.

Some critics respond to privilege with the mind-set that it is not fair that some people have an advantage or a "leg up" in one category, and every effort should be made to offset the fortunate circumstances these people find themselves in. However, this sentiment is impossible to achieve (and completely irrational). One cannot and should not want to engineer a society in which every member is average in every way in hopes of expunging all shreds of privilege. In order to accomplish this, the government would have to adopt regulative mechanisms reminiscent of Kurt Vonnegut's short story "Harrison Bergeron." In this futuristic story, everyone's talents, physical characteristics and intelligence were handicapped so that no one felt inferior.

Instead, Washington advised we acknowledge our privileges, accept them and begin to think about their implications for the way in which we interact with others. We all have an individual identity, as well as a group membership or memberships that we can't escape no matter how much we try. We shouldn't be ashamed or feel guilty for the privileges we have; our identities make us unique and distinguishable as well as provide us with diverse opportunities to enhance and improve society. In an e-mail response, Patton stated, "People will be humbled when they realize they have various types of privilege. We hope they will then be inclined to open their hearts and minds to help change the climate to balance out power dynamics." A brilliant scientist who benefited from a world-class education could discover a cure for a horrible disease. A wealthy philanthropist could fund a home for abused women or an after-school program for low-income children. Many more examples exist in our midst today.

A crucial theme Washington concentrated on was the process of change that takes place when one realizes one's areas of privilege. Often, people move from awareness directly to action, with blind emotion crowding out sound judgment. Two components -- knowledge and skills -- are missing. Once you are aware of aspects of privilege you can identify with, competence is necessary in influencing someone's ignorant behavior. Washington warned against "tearing down" someone of a privileged status who is treating someone else unfairly or inequitably. Instead, approaching a situation, such as the one Washington faced in that corporate meeting, requires tact and grace in order to effectively bring about positive change. As he joked, branding his fellow males as sexist pigs wouldn't have gotten them to listen more attentively to the women.

Washington stated, "It doesn't mean you're wrong or bad" if you have privilege, but you must decide what to do with the power of that privilege. That power affords the privileged the ability to change minds among their peers, if it is exercised in a judicious and tasteful manner. As members of the University community (which in itself is a tremendous privilege), let us heed Washington's prudent guidance when addressing matters related to inequality.

wblake@cavalierdaily.com.
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