Privilege might be a tough subject to start the year on, but let’s go. Because this is the time of year when I am really ramping up my preparations for Imbolc. And part of that is reflecting on the last year, what I’m happy with, what I want to ring some changes with.
And some of that relates to my privilege. I’ve written before about privilege on the blog. And there are so many think pieces about the topic on line. Seriously… just google “privilege“.
So, today, I’m going to take you through my pretty much annual stock take of my privilege. You may find it useful, you may not, but I hope it provokes some thinking anyway.
What is privilege?
A reasonably common definition is something along the lines of:
unearned advantage that an individual or a group experiences because they have more valued positionalities. Aspects of positionalities can include things like race, or gender, sexual orientation, social class, and there are many other examples,
Now, I know, it can seem like using words like “unearned” or “advantage” can seem off-putting but bear with me. I’ll give some examples as I work through my own list. OK?
My background advantages
I was born into a country where I look like most people.
My first (and second) language(s) is/are the official language(s) of my country.
The religion I was reared in is the main religion of this country.
My family look like most families around us.
Both my parents are professionals. Or were before they retired.
I come from a 2-parent family. With 2 incomes.
I grew up in a food secure household. Or at least, it appeared as a child we had food.
I’m (mostly) able bodied and the issues I do have with my body are manageable within the “normal” range.
I appear neurotypical.
Situational stuff
I’m intelligent in a way that helped me do well at school.
I had an excellent education and was taught in ways that suited the way I learn.
Because of this, I easily got a place in 3rd level education in a reputable establishment.
I had familial support when I went to college – food, money, transport, moral support, an understanding of what’s needed in 3rd level.
I’ve always had a place to fall back to, so I’ve never been homeless.
Because of my degree, I have always had a professional role that paid reasonably, if not well all the time.
My entire childhood and young adulthood has led me to believe that I can tackle whatever like throws at me.
I have the resources I need (now) to deal with mental health and physical health issues.
My jobs have provided me with private health care.
I live in a country with a social security net, so a day sick doesn’t ruin my finances for months on end.
I have reliable transport and the means to fund replacements.
I have stable housing.
I have a professional role that allows me to be flexible to deal with life’s hiccups. (Like a weather-mandated week working from home unexpectedly).
I married someone who supports me and is willing to do the background work so I can push forward in my career.
I have the ability to fund things like good internet access, and other business requirements to run a website like this and associated tech.
Why is this important?
Well, it’s part of my mechanism for replacing gratitude with other things. The word gratitude is problematic for me, because it carries with it a feeling of obligation.
But I do think it’s important to recognise in this world where I have advantages over other people. All the above is a list of advantages that I’m aware other people don’t have. And it’s part of me making sure that I recognise that.
I still had to work in school – just not as hard as a lot of other people, to get the same results. I still have to put in effort at my career, but my background gives me skills and abilities that make that easier. My colour and professional experience don’t hurt either.
This isn’t a “look at how awesome I am” post. This is a “recognise the privilege and advantages I had that others didn’t” post. It’s a prompt to do the same for yourself.
There have been hard times in my life. I fed myself and my husband for £10 a month for nearly 6months at one point. (Long story!!) But I did so, starting off with a full freezer, and full baking press. So, we weren’t starting from scratch. We were fairly sick of rice and porridge by the end of it though!
Those hard times don’t negate the privilege I hold though. And my privilege helped cushion me from some of the effects of the hard times.
I suppose, this is a means for me to recognise the necessity to stay humble in this world. And I think that’s important for all of us!
