“When we are willing to check our privilege, we are not only identifying areas where we are perpetuating oppression in order to stop personally perpetuating that oppression, but we are also identifying areas where we have the power and access to change the system as a whole”
-Ijeoma Oluo
How does the quote above resonate with you?
Pause here for a moment and free yourself from distractions:
Take a deep breath in... exhale slowly... deep breath in... exhale slowly... deep breath in... exhale slowly... calm your mind and be present...
What are you willing to do?
...real question... think about it...
It is impossible to be neutral or stand still if the goal is to dismantle the systems of oppression in this country. Neutrality is not an option. People of color are suffering and can no longer be silent. Check your privilege.
What is your understanding of privilege?
This seems to be confusing for some....
privilege | noun an advantage, or set of advantages that you have that others do not.
Ijeoma Oluo explains in the book So You Want to Talk About Race:
“When somebody asks you to check your privilege, they are asking you to pause and consider how the advantages you’ve had in life are contributing to your opinions and actions, and how the lack of disadvantaged in certain areas is keeping you from fully understanding the struggles others are facing and may in fact be contributing to those struggles.”
That’s the part that most of us miss. “A privilege has to come with somebody else’s disadvantage, or it’s not a privilege.
Ending systemic racism is difficult but not impossible. We have to be willing to do the work. When we begin to identify where our privileges intersect with somebody else’s oppression, we’ll find opportunities to make real change.
What do you see that needs to change?
Name your top 3...
Today’s Challenge: Identify your own privilege and begin to examine it
This is an exercise for ALL: No matter how WOKE you think you are, chances are you have unexamined privilege too:
1. Make a list of all the advantages you’ve had in life, think of these, but not limited to:
Have you always had good mental heath?
Did you grow up middle class?
Are you white?
Are you male?
Are you non-disabled?
Are you neuro-typical
Are you a documented citizen of the country you live in?
Did you grow up in a stable home environment?
Do you have stable housing?
Do you have reliable transportation?
Are you cisgender?
Are you straight?
Are you thin, tall, conventionally attractive?
2. Resist the urge of listing disadvantages. A natural reaction, however this is not the time.
3. You have your list. I expect it will be long. Start thinking about how each privilege might have influenced not only your status in society, but your experience with and understanding of the world.
4. To gain powerful insight on privilege, discuss the following in a group or with a partner: How might your privilege have impacted your ideas on racism, education, on the environment?
5. Once you are aware of your privilege, you can get to work on dismantling it.
Where is your opportunity to make real change?
“The status quo always favors neutrality which in truth is never neutral at all but supports those who stand against change.” -Michael Eric Dyson
*Try to remember that the alternative to not being made aware of your own privilege, no matter how it may sting, is your continued participation in the oppression of others.
There is much work to be done. Your willingness gives me hope. Don't miss your opportunity. Be intentional, encourage others to do the same and watch what happens.
You got this!
Coach Tavia
#responsibility, #privilige, #hope, #focus, #leadbyexample, #shareyourgifts, #leadershipcoach, #lifecoach, #justdoit, #standup, #speakup, #change, #letgo
*This weeks blog postings have been inspired by New York Times Bestseller: So You Want to Talk About Race, by Ijeoma Oluo
Thank you for taking the time to read. What part resonated with you? Please share with others...