The Importance Of Privilege In Society

The Importance Of Privilege In Society
What is privilege? Privilege, is a right or benefit that is given to some people but not others. The word privilege is generally taught at a very young
age. Privilege is thought of something that is earned, not something that is just a given to you in everyday life. White privilege is an advantage that
the white people have in our society. Most of our privileges are unearned and unnoticed in our daily life's. In our daily life it is consisted of
privileges that are always not recognized because they are just our everyday life. We just become norm to these privileges that we don't even realize
they exist. This privilege diary has made me re think my preconceptions of racism and race. I honestly thought I knew a lot about race, but come to
...show more content...
You do not see a lot of blacks on toys. Some blacks or Hispanics may not pay certain toys because of the race and ethnicity. I think the main form of
privilege I found whole finding privileges for a week was the expectation that my general appearance and sexual orientation would be reflected in
my everyday life and decisions. In today's day in age, we are becoming more accepting of different sexualities and gender identities. I can
remember when I was younger gays, homosexual, and transgender were all very unaccepted. Everyone has their own opinions on it. Now we see
states legalizing gay marriage. Many people believe that by having different sexual orientation is a decision that I really frowned upon. We
normally think of gender as something that is developed at birth and is normally set in stone. Recently, people are now starting to express that their
gender is different from the sex they were given at birth. I can't even fathom how much things have changed in the last ten years. Between race and
sexual orientation has changed a lot. The racism will keep continue if not get worse. And the sexual orientation is continuing to be expressed more
and more. I feel as if our society has been changed with all of our race, ethnicity, gender, and sexual orientation has changed. Sexual orientations have
a big effect on our society. Some people are judged by our sex or sexual orientation. Sexual orientation is a person's sexual
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Exploring Race and Challenging Privilege
I thought I understood racism well enough. Since early childhood I've learned from parents and teachers that racism is a sense of racial superiority, a
way of making judgments about people based on their skin color before you get to know them, and a cause of hate crimes and foul language. I think I'm
not racist, and as a white woman I'm not likely to be the victim of racism, so I usually think racism has nothing to do with my life. But I'm
uncomfortable with the idea of race because what I've learned about race is contradictory. I'm taught that people of different races are equal, but I see
that they live separately. I'm told that they should get along, but the past and the present reveal...show more content...
Tatum's description of the formation of racial identity among children and young adults helps me understand why races self–segregate. She categorizes
the steps of the psychological process by which individuals recognize their "place" in society as part of a racial group and seek identity within that
racial group, often to the point of conforming to negative stereotypes. This reaffirms racial minorities' sense of identity and community and the value of
their culture even though it differs from "mainstream" (white, middle–class) American culture, or what Delpit would call the culture of power. On the
other hand, self–segregation reinforces the notion that races are different and that race is a valid characteristic to use to distinguish between people.
Recalling my own experiences in light of Tatum's analysis helped me make sense of both her arguments and my observations. Self–segregation is
beneficial to the extent that it creates a community with shared values where people feel safe; it is only harmful when it becomes exclusive, which
I'm afraid happens to a larger extent in America as a whole than on our insulated college campus. At Amherst College I feel free to join several
communities with which I "identify" to greater or lesser extents; I can live in La Casa, lead the Pride Alliance, and attend Shabbat services without
feeling like I have to be loyal

Privilege, Power, and Difference Essay
In the beginning of the year I entered this class with a very sheltered and ignorant view of current and past events. Through time and sociological
evolution I have begun to see things in a different light. The development of my ability, to look at something or some kind of situation, lets me use
the sociological terms in such a manner to relate them to micro and macro problems in society. This started with the assigned readings of the class;
the aim was to decipher the messages the authors were presenting. The goal was then to dig deeper and use my experiences to help myself understand
the concepts throughout the course. "The mind is not a vessel to be filled, but a fire to be ignited." Plutarch (46–120 CE––common era) I was no longer
In this section he describes how privilege is attached to race, gender and social class. Saying that being a white male, heterosexual, and non–disabled
put you ahead of others. My question, though still in the developmentery stages of a sociologist, asks why should I be assumed to have a perfect
life? And judged because of my advantages? My question merely deals with a micro situation though if I wanted it to pertain to a macro situation as
well I would have to revise it to, Is it fair for oppressed groups to assume that a white, heterosexual, non–disabled male is better off then they are? I ask
this question simply because I feel that I have overcome circumstances even people in oppressed groups do not have to face, and judging before
knowing leads to stereotyping. My second set questions also comes Privilege, Power, and Difference (2001), on page 85 Johnson discusses the idea
of the path of least resistance in terms of how people who are not a part of the solution are a part of the problem. The people who avoid the situation
do so because it is easier and this is an example of a toilet assumption because people rather flush away their problems rather than deal with them. My
question came from an experience I had with an African American that expressed his hatred for other African Americans. He declared how much he
wished he had been born

Privilege Definition
Privilege is defined as a special right, benefit, or immunity, the quality of having resistance, given or obtainable only to a specific person or group.
While it is human nature, a shared psychological attributes of humankind, to want to be privileged, it is also human nature to resent when one is not
part of a privileged group, a group with special rights and advantages. This is true when related to society, a large social group with a distinctive
cultural organization, as a whole and it is true when it relates only to a small group such as a family. This inequality, the difference or the state of
being unlike, seems to have existed since time immemorial, with cave women delegated to doing most of the work while – once the man, an adult male,

Privilege : Privilege And Privilege
Privilege Privilege applies to certain people who benefit more than other people in the same social, political or economic spaces (Henderson, L.,
week 1, 2014). Somebody might be privileged only because that person is wealthier or more powerful compared to the others. Privilege is an
advantage enjoyed only by a person beyond the advantages of most. "Privilege is expressed as an advantage based on status or rank that is used to
maintain status quo" (Collins, J., et al., 2011). Privilege can applies to different concept, such as male privilege, white privilege and heterosexual
privilege, all of which have implications for education. Although it is still taboo, with evolution, we have come far and we are now starting to
accept equality between men and women, white and black and starting to acknowledge heterosexual. Growing up, I never thought of education as a
privilege. Now I know how lucky and how blessed I am I had the benefit of a good education at a private school and college. Furthermore I now
have the opportunity to study in Melbourne, something hard to do if you do not have the resources. Although education is free in most countries, a
lot of children stop studying when they can to find a job to help the family. Invisibility "Invisibility is the state of an object that cannot be seen"
(Henderson, L., week 1, 2014). Invisibility usually involves objects. But because we cannot see it does not mean it is not there. A bachelor is not
invisible, it can be seen in

Privilege: Article Analysis
The Writer is arguing about how she herself was embarrassed to accept just how much privilege she has. Some individuals may have more
privilege that others or some may not but it still does not matter because everyone is the same no matter what. Some people do not have to
acknowledge their privilege and some individuals do not have to apologize for it because it can be very personal topic to talk about and some
people take it very serious when this topics is talked. Some people have to understand the extent of your privilege, the consequences it will give you
for your privilege and lastly what problems it will give you in the future. I think this article is important because it talks about how she was really
nervous or scared to even talk about

Argumentative Essay On Privilege
I live in a house with water and electricity. I go to a school that provides free education for all children. The people who live in my house have cars to
get them and myself to and from any destination. Growing up, I saw these things as if they were my right, that they came easy to all, and that they are
non–negotiable. Today I know that these things are not a right, but a privilege.
Privileges are automatically given opportunities that some do not receive. We live in a society in which people overlook privileges and take them
for granted. The idea that there are privileges has even become a debatable subject over the past few years. Social media makes is so easy for
people widely express and carry out the debate of privileges. On social media, people can easily see other people express a claim stating that
"privilege does not exist," and all the agreement or disagreement comment to follow. People will also post many videos or web articles to support
their claim, and since we have such easy access internet and social media we can see these posts at any time. What most people forget to see is that the
fact that they can communicate their claim is a privilege....show more content...
For example, people who can live life without mental or physical disability have an "Ability Privilege" There is also an "Educational Privilege." This
privilege is used to describe those who have the opportunity to receive a higher education such as a doctoral degree. People with this privilege have a
higher chance of making more money that those with only a high school diploma. "Educational Privilege" can also be applied to those in the public
educational system because they are receiving free education or even those who are in the private educational system because they are receiving a
higher degree of

Personal Narrative: Privilege Essay
As the eternal clock of high school winds down, the rain began kissing my skin; the feeling reminded me of the tears that ran down my cheeks that
day. While walking, I made up a theory that crying is a way humans comfort themselves in the absence of people worth connecting to.
But up to that point I never had to think of this. Privilege is the sole word used to define the kind of community I was raised in. At fifteen, attending
one of the premier high schools in the country, preparing for hurts never daunted me. I never believed it to become relevant in my life. I never
expected the day where I would experience it, especially where I lived.
That day happened when my grades dropped. I know they aren't the bigger picture, but it's nice to...show more content...
She never took the time to listen to me fully. My high school teacher interrupted me, in the middle of my sentence, to say that my "shirt was too short,"
and that I was making her "uncomfortable" because of my outfit.
Turning the corner, the rain pounded the pavement. Cars were cluttering the streets with their red tail lights and the bustle warped me back to that the
morning.
My teacher's words attacked me and my only mechanism was my emotions.
She talked about my body with such disgust, that it would seem as though she wanted me to apologize for having one. I'm never the person to feel
insecure, but I wasn't sure whether she was disgusted by my body image or my choice of appearance. I wasn't sure what hurt me more.
Walking to my next class, my eyes poured rain and I could feel the silent judgement of the people around the room. Their silence spoke an inaudible
volume that left my skin crawling.
Many people in that room told me that I was "being too emotional" and that "it was nothing."
I didn't know that it was possible to feel guilty for my own sadness; but, here I was, spending more time questioning whether my emotions rather than
her words were out of

Definition Of Privilege Essay
"Privilege." What really is a privilege? Do you even consider yourself privileged? Well, the word "privilege" means "a special right, advantage, or
immunity granted or available only to a particular person or group of people" and whether or not you consider yourself privileged really depends on
how you define the word and whether you take it for granted or not.
For those in poverty, the word "privilege" means having access to clean drinking water, having food to eat, being employed, having functional clothes,
etc. These are not only privileges, but they are needed for human survival. However, what is considered privilege today is not a matter of survival
needs, they are rather wants. Wants are things that entertain and satisfy us, things such as the new iPhones, new tablets, new computers, new clothing
line, and any other exclusive things that are not needed for survival. In some parts of the world there are a lack of toilets, bathrooms, or even toilet paper
for that matter. Food is worked for rather than bought, and everything is self–taught and self–serviced. Transportation is by foot rather than any
transportation vehicle or even a bicycle for that matter. Today, these
An article from Unwater.org and Home–Water–Works.org explains how about six to eightmillion people died each year due to not having access to
clean drinking water. More evidence by Home–Water–Works.org shows that the average American used about 17.2 gallons of water in a given
shower. Everyday 5.5 billion gallons of water is used and with that amount of water you can supply those eight million people for 1,380 days and
that's only the amount of water used in a shower per day in the U.S. Given the conservation of water and donation, we can save millions of people. If
half a gallon is needed a day and with the donation of about $50 a day, and given half a gallon of water cost about .61 cents, we can save 164

The, Privilege, Power, And Difference Essay
The book, Privilege, Power, and Difference brought awareness to where I stand as a Latina female in the United States. Growing up, I did not
like to focus on the differences I experienced or saw others experience. These differences made me feel angry, scared, nervous, confused, and
hopeless. Instead of focusing on the unfairness I was a part of I decided to look at it as a challenge, I would prove to myself that I could do
whatever I set my mind to. I took every opportunity handed to me and tried to make the best of it, to make myself proud and my family proud. At
least that is what I thought at the time, but now that I have had time to reflect on my desire to succeed I know that part of that desire comes from
proving to the dominant culture that minorities can succeed. Prior to taking this class I only thought about the differences related to race. The main
reason I only thought of racial differences in relation to power and privilege is due to my experiences. According to Johnson (2006), there are six
characteristics that allow us to have power and privilege. These six characteristics include: age, race, ethnicity, gender, physical abilities/ qualities,
sexual/ affectional orientation (Johnson, 2006). Reading this chapter allowed me to reflect on where I stand in each of these characteristics. I am a
heterosexual Latina female, in my early twenties with no disabilities. Before reflecting on the privileges I hold I did not see myself as holding any
privilege,

My Privilege Research Paper
Privilege comes to mind when I think about my future. I have been blessed with a multitude of "privileges" that my parent's have not been able to
experience. I've had a stable lifestyle, a home, a high school education, and I even got my driver's license at age sixteen, like any other American
teenager, and these things are often something overlooked for "privilege." Another "privilege" that I will receive is having the opportunity to be a
first–generation college student, and being the first in my family to ever go to college is honorable; however, it is not something that I want to take for
granted either. Both of my parents quit school in order to either assist their families or to move to the U.S. to give their future children the chances that
they have...show more content...
My parents have described the horrors of being in poor conditions as children and they urge me to make the right decisions so that I do not have to
live that way. I enjoy comfortable living and all of the luxuries that come with it, but it fears me that monetary stability will be at the expense of my
personal happiness. I love the expensive Asics running shoes that I have replace every three months, the Garmin Forerunner watch that sends
notifications from my Samsung phone, and the Android tablet that carries the textbooks for some of my classes; however, all of these fills come with
a price tag and these non–essential items must come after responsibilities (e.g. rent, utilities, bills, etc.). Once again, I have the "privilege" of
choosing a career where I will not have to worry about the number of the bank account and that I can live a relaxed and unworried lifestyle. I will not
have to worry about making ends meet and I can be self–sufficient. The number on the paycheck will be meaningless because it is substantial enough
to provide for myself. My main anxiety is that what if the large number on the paycheck is at the expense of my personal

Privilege Reflection Paper
In having the education portion and the background of the definition on privilege. I got to analysis the article I choose in a deeper mindset. Right
for the beginning I was critically thinking about the topic. I read the article I choose right after the assigned reading. That gave me an advantage in
having everything that I just learned be fresh. I was able to break the article down into different areas from each of the assigned readings. I was
more aware of how privilege can be interpretative. For example in Mclntosh reading, discusses that white people were never taught to see white
privilege or male see male's privilege. In Fortgang reading, he interpreted privilege to be coming from his family. He broke down the privilege that
each person

Essay On Privilege
What is privilege? Privilege is the advantages that you are given. Privilege is often taken for granted by the people who have it because they didn't
necessarily ask for it. Privilege is given to you depending on where you live, what you look like, how much money you have, what gender you are, or
even your last name. Yourrace and ethnicity have a lot to do with how you are treated in society.
Race and ethnicity can get confusing and people often use them interchangeably. They are alike because race and ethnicity share common ancestry.
But, they differ because race is a persons' physical characteristics; race can be seen in skin, hair, and eye color. Whereas ethnicity is the culture;
ethnicity is ancestry, religion, and nationality. When majority of people look the same, it can cause problems for the people who are different, the
minority.
The majority usually has preset opinions on how the minority should act, talk, or look. These opinions are called prejudices and are not fact based.
Prejudices thoughts are also sometimes called stereotypes. Prejudice and stereotypes are different from each other because a prejudice is a feeling
about a group of people, where a...show more content...
Being a white male in America, you're basically the golden egg. Men have privileges such as making more money compared to women – especially
women of color. A persons' last name could also have a lot to do with how much privilege you have. For example, I'm a waitress at Roma's Pizza in
Bethalto, Illinois I've had people come into Roma's and before tipping, they ask me what my last name is. When I tell them, I usually get a bigger
tip; my grandpa is currently on the Madison County Board for Godfrey and Alton, my other grandpa is a union leader, my mom is a teacher, and my
dad is a lawyer. My family has lived in Bethalto and the surrounding towns their entire lives – everyone knows

Oppression Vs. Privilege
In Allan G. Johnson's, "What It has to Do with Us," he writes that doing something about oppression and privilege requires talking about it. He
believes that individualism does not help the fight against oppression and privilege. Individualistic thinking leads to trying to find someone to
blame, and it hides privilege. The solution is not looking at oppression and privilege in an individualistic way, but looking at the system and see
how both the system and individual people participate in it (Johnson 67). In order to do this, there must be an "understand[ing of the] dynamic
between people and systems of privilege" (Johnson 68). Johnson defines this dynamic being between the way participating in systems shapes us
and in how participating in a social systems, we allow it to happen (Johnson 68). He writes that by existing in social life, we are socialized to learn how
to participate in social life, and "develop a sense of personal identity" (Johnson 68). This being how society or we perceive ourselves. The relation
between people and systems "produces patterns of social life"...show more content...
On October 15th of this year, actress Alyssa Milano, started a trend on twitter for women to write "me too," in order to reflect the extent of sexual
assault. This became a trend taking over all social media, showing the vast majority of women who have had a sexual assault experience. In
response to this, writer, journalist, and LGBTQ activist, Benjamin Law wrote on twitter, "Guys, it's our turn. After yesterday's endless #MeToo
stories of women being abused, assaulted and harassed, today we say #HowIWillChange." To which he followed up with ways in which he will help
be an ally to women, like reporting his friends for sexual assault if it came up. Benjamin Law is an example of someone who understands that the
solution to this issue is not blaming other men, but to focus on how he could

Argument Of Privilege
As a white, straight male, I've come to recognise that I've inherited a certain amount of privilege through no fault of my own. Racism, homophobia
and sexism are still massive systemic problems in the West today. While it might not be so obvious, and many people would claim that they play no
part in this, we live in a system that is incredibly biased towards middle–class, white, straight, men. The opportunities and resources available to me
would be radically different if I were not white, straight and male – if I wasn't privileged. It's easy to ignore this, especially when I'm the one usually
benefitting from it. I mean, why should I complain about the fact I've been given a good education and can work doing a job that I enjoy? Why
shouldn't I just enjoy my privilege?
However, the more I've read about, and been involved in, movements such as #blacklivesmatter, gay pride marches and feminism, the more I realise
that this is an issue that I can not be silent about any longer. Ignoring racism, sexism, homophobia and any other intolerance or abuse is being complicit
in it. It's saying that that it is ok, that I'm comfortable watching other people being treated like they less than me simply because they are a different race
, gender, sexuality or religion. While the problems in the U.K. aren't nearly as bad as they are in other countries, the...show more content...
I can't change my race, sexuality or gender any more than I can undo the result of Brexit – they are factors outside of my control. I can't simply ignore
it, because as I said, that means I'm just inadvertently supporting an unfair system. So I have to start by acknowledging it. Acknowledge the fact that
I'm privileged, and that I couldn't even begin to understand what it's like to live as somebody without it. I need to acknowledge this to myself, but
also point it out when I can see that I'm benefiting from it myself, or see others lives being affected by their own (or their lack of)

Personal Privilege, Privilege And Privilege
Personal Privilege Personal privilege is privilege one receives based on unearned qualities such as skin color, gender, socioeconomic status,
demographics, or cultural characteristics (Lee, 2007). Being White and growing up in a predominately White community limited my exposure to
other cultures and races. While I was limited to my exposure to other cultures and races I have become aware of White privilege and who it
influences interactions with different races and cultures. Whites tend to view "their own beliefs and actions as normative and neutral" (Hays &
Chang, 2003, p. 135). This action influences and limits the cultural and racial interactions Whites experience (Hays & Change, 2003). Due to
working in a predominately White community it can be easy to forget the importance of establishing racial and cultural differences with clients.
Continuing education is exceptionally important in continuing one's multicultural awareness. As a supervisor this will be my duty to instill this
importance into my supervisees (Hird, Cavalieri, Dulk, Felice, & Ho, 2001). Nature of Oppression Lee (2007) defined oppression as when "people
are denied access and equity that ensure full participation in the life of a society they experience oppression" (p. 2). Those with personal privilege
may be at guilt for oppressing others intentionally or unintentionally. While I do not believe I have ever been oppressed or contributed to the
oppression of another I know our society is not free from

Reflection On Power, Privilege And Oppression
Power, Privilege and Oppression, A Social Worker's reflection on Power, Privilege and Oppression, this is the title of Michael Spence's article, but
what really does that mean? Spence talks about his personal experiences in life that dealt with all three of these aspects, power, privilege and
oppression. In this paper this writer will also talk about power, privilege and oppression in regard to Spence's outlook on the topic. What is power?
How does it relate to Social Workers and social situations? Is privilege really something that can be given to you just based on race and where you
grew up, or how you were raised? Lastly Oppression, what causes one type of social group to be oppressed? Power In Spence's article he talks a lot
about the power of race, education and environment. Spence speaks about how being of mixed race and having lighter skin gave him more power
in social situations then it would have had he been Caucasian or inherited a darker skin complexion. This writer read this in wondered does the
darkness of your skin really matter within the our community; this is a question that has never come to mind before. The news is full of people
talking about white power and how white men are the ones with all the power in America but has that changed as the world begins to change. While
reading the Spence article this writer couldn't help but compare Spence to former President Obama, also a native of Hawaii also educated at some of
the best schools in the country with

Privilege And Identity
The situation of having privilege in one dimension, but suffer from oppression in another comes from the concept of identity. In the book, the authors
believe the issue of identity "... is a set of complex and contradictory and conflicting [factors]" (p.102). This combination of factors puts people into a
situation where their different identities allow for both positive and negative effects of privilege to be experienced. If someone identified as a white
male, then he would experience the benefits of being in the majority in a white male–dominated society. However, if he also identified as homosexual,
then he would suffer the negative effects of being in the minority in a heterosexual dominated society. Another example of a combination of

Privilege Communication Paper
Privilege Communications
Any communications that cannot be required to be presented in court as evidence. Incudes conversations between parishioners and clergy, patients, and
doctors, and so on. privileged communication can have no force in courts if the dominant party presents the evidence.
Similar Fact Evidence
Evidence that shows the accused has committed similar offences in the past. Crown uses it to imply that the accused has committed the offence again,
or to refute defense claims that the offence was mistake or accident. Fact evident must be relevant to the case to be used and can be extremely
damaging to the if the jury gives it too much weight. The judge will hold a trial within a trial to determine whether to admit similar fact evidence....show
more content...
Person under surveillance must be the intended victim. A person who fears bodily harm can authorize police to intercept the private conversation
without obtaining judicial permission. Video surveillance evidence can be admitted. Search warrants are not needed if it is in public places.
However, it is needed if device is used with respect to a person or property.
Confessions
An accused persons acknowledgement that the charge, or an essential part of it, is true. The charter states that anyone who is detained or arrested must
be promptly informed of their right to legal counsel before making any statement so any statement taken before the right is told can be excluded as
evidence. A statement can be admission or denied. If confession was not voluntary, the judge may reject the evidence. Even if confession is admitted,
the jury may reject it or give little weight in reaching decision.
Illegally Obtained Evidence
Admission of illegally obtained evidence has been debated since the Charter was passed. In each trial, it must be decided if admitting the evidence in
question would bring the "administration of justice into disrepute" which relies on whether "the reasonable person", fully informed of the facts, would
be shocked if a judge allowed the evidence to be admitted.
Verdict
The decision as whether the accused is guilty, and is the culmination of the trial process/

The Importance Of Privilege In Society

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The Importance Of Privilege In Society