All of us are privileged to some extent, even me\u2014a black girl from a lower-income family, born and raised in what was once nicknamed \u201cMurder City.\u201d Still, through travels and working in the social sector, I\u2019ve recognized my privilege.<\/p>\n
I am a fatherless daughter, but my grandfather acted as a major male figure in my life.<\/p>\n
I am an American minority, but English is my first language.<\/p>\n
Traveling as a person of color has its trials, yet my American accent and passport afford me certain liberties.<\/p>\n
When I digested these realizations, I became more self-aware. I was better able to serve those less fortunate than me because I better understood how I could relate to them, where I couldn\u2019t, and where I needed to fill in the gaps.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
But where do you start? What resources are out there?<\/p>\n
Well, I\u2019m glad you asked. Here are six resources to help you navigate the complex topic of privilege.<\/p>\n
1. Knapsack of Privilege by Peggy McIntosh<\/a><\/h4>\n
Peggy McInotsh is a feminist, former professor, and advocate. In her essay \u201cKnapsack of Privilege<\/a>,\u201d she turns the overarching and overbearing idea of white privilege into digestible bites. Relying on personal experience and academic knowledge, McIntosh lists the ways white privilege benefits her and how (being white) it\u2019s easy to forget these benefits. As she puts it, \u201cI repeatedly forgot each of the realizations on this list until I wrote it down. For me white privilege has turned out to be an elusive and fugitive subject.\u201d<\/p>\n
2. Your American Dream Score by GALEWill<\/a><\/h4>\n
The idea of the American dream has persisted throughout generations. It\u2019s crossed borders, bringing people fleeing violence and seeking better opportunities to the USA. Yet, not everyone born here, nor all those who immigrated here, achieved this dream. Now, the question is why. By breaking your identity and background down, reflecting on your life\u2019s success, “Your American Dream Score”<\/a> answers this very question. It looks at both the helpful and harmful factors, providing a fuller view of inequality. In an interview with Huffington Post<\/a>, GALEWill Founder Bob McKinnon said, \u201cThe idea that if you work as hard as you can, you can overcome anything\u2014it\u2019s not a complete story.\u201d<\/p>\n
3. Half the Sky Movement: The Game by Nicholas Kristof<\/a><\/h4>\n
Following the release of the New York Bestseller “Half the Sky: Turning Oppression Into Opportunity Worldwide,”<\/a> the acclaimed PBS series Games for Change<\/a> partnered up with one of the authors, Nicholas Kristof, to take Half the Sky from the page to the wide web. The game<\/a> focuses on the unique struggles of women and girls around the world, as well as the circumstances that lead them there. Players start the game playing as Radhika, a young Indian woman who becomes a leader in her community. All the while you have to overcome issues like maternal health, empty pantries, hungry mouths, and so much more. The best part? Players can raise money for women and charities as they progress in the game! If you\u2019re looking for similar games, check out “Bury Me, My Love”<\/a> by Playdius Entertainment and “Borders”<\/a> by Macua Studios.<\/p>\n
4. Recognizing Privilege: Power to All People by Michael Yates<\/a><\/h4>\n
Michael Yates wants us to \u201ccome together in power.\u201d Raised by a single mother, son of an imprisoned father, a particular image of Yates likely comes to your mind. However, Yates’ life is so far from a stereotype. Despite having barriers to conquer, Yates is a college graduate, a licensed USA basketball coach, founder of Rising Star Speech, a husband, and father of three. In his TedTalk \u201cPower to All People<\/a>,\u201d Yates manages to acknowledge where he lacks privilege and where it overflows for him. Most importantly, he discusses how he uses his privilege to uplift others while encouraging the audience to do the same.<\/p>\n
5. Rethinking Privilege by Mariam Veiszadeh<\/a><\/h4>\n
In 2015, Mariam Veiszadeh made world headlines when she became the target of visceral cyber-bullying after speaking out against bigotry. Despite receiving threats of violence and an onslaught of hateful comments, Veiszadeh would not be stopped. She presented her TedxTalk \u201cRethinking Privilege<\/a>\u201d in 2017, where she challenged those who so readily denounce the existence of their own privilege. In her presentation, she cites examples on how privilege can benefit those who have it without their knowledge. However, what stands out the most is her suggestions on how to best even the playing field.<\/p>\n
6. Confronting My Privilege to Teach About Privilege by P.L. Thomas<\/a><\/h4>\n
The idea of privilege can be divisive: those who have it vs. those who don\u2019t. If these groups were to be further divided, a third category would also be present. These are the people with privilege who would never admit to having it. If you associate with people who come from backgrounds very similar to your own, one may never have to. But what about when that isn\u2019t the case? Teacher P.L. Thomas gives some practical advice for educators working with communities or students who come from a less privileged group in this must-read article<\/a>. He understands the topic can be a sensitive one, even intimidating for the privileged individual, while still encouraging the conversations to be had and the support to be given.
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