How to Check Your Privileges
Privileges are advantages and benefits that you have over someone else because of your gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, health, educational level, physical ability, and / or socioeconomic level. It is important to be aware of the advantages and benefits that you have in order to be able to help those who do not have the same opportunity. And a better understanding of privilege can help you use that privilege to dismantle the unjust systems that cost people their lives.
Examples of privileges
Privilege can manifest itself in many ways. These examples are by no means exhaustive, but they are worth considering.
Race
- You have a much higher salary because of your race.
- Most of the positive ads are targeted at you.
- You feel protected by the police.
Floor
- Your gender represents the only or most management positions at work.
- People don’t blame your mood because of your gender.
- Your physical appearance (clothing, etc.) does not set a precedent for how you are treated.
Physical ability
- Wherever you go is available.
- You don’t notice if closed captioning is available.
- Employers will have no doubt about whether you can physically do the job.
Religion
- Your religion is not demonized in the news or mainstream culture.
- You do not need to request time off for a religious holiday because it is already on the calendar or widely accepted.
- People will recognize your religion without even asking for more information about it.
Sexual orientation
- You can openly show affection for your partner in public without worrying.
- More couples like yours appear in the media.
- Family or friends don’t reject you on the basis of who you love.
Health
- Your doctor believes your symptoms for the first time.
- You have access to adequate health care, including medical services, and hospitals with full staff and equipment.
- You are not afraid to see a doctor.
Socio-economic level
- You can buy if you want.
- You have quick access to healthy eating options.
- You can afford to pay rent / mortgage, utilities, car payments, etc.
- You have a career, not multiple jobs.
- You can go to college without leaving with tons of debt.
How You Can Do More With Your Privilege
Recognizing and recognizing your privileges gives you the opportunity to stand up for those who do not share those privileges. You can:
1. Find out how others are affected by your privileges.
2. Find opportunities to speak up and act for the disadvantaged. It could be making bad jokes in social circles, donating to authoritative causes, or talking about a lack of diversity in the workplace, just to name a few.
3. Be attentive when speaking or focusing in conversation with people less privileged than you.
This is just a cursory look at how you can recognize your privilege and make an active effort to help others who, unfortunately, are not given the same.