In “Peculiar Benefits,” Roxane Gay addresses privilege (“a right or immunity granted as a peculiar benefit, advantage, or favor”): her own, others’, and what to do about it.
“One of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do is accept and acknowledge my privilege. It’s an ongoing project...My life has been far from perfect, but it’s somewhat embarrassing for me to accept just how much privilege I have.” (16)
“We tend to believe that accusations of privilege imply we have it easy, which we resent because life is hard for nearly everyone….To have privilege in one or more areas does not mean you are wholly privileged.” (17)
“You don’t necessarily have to do anything once you acknowledge your privilege. You don’t have to apologize for it. You need to understand the extent of your privilege, the consequences of your privilege, and remain aware that people who are different from you move through and experience the world in ways you might never know anything about. They might endure situations you can never know anything about. You could, however, use that privilege for the greater good -- to try to level the playing field for everyone, to work for social justice, to bring attention to how those without certain privileges are disenfranchised.” (17)
Did this essay influence the ways that you think about your own privilege or about privilege as a larger concept? How?
Do you think we have a further responsibility regarding privilege, beyond just acknowledging it?
“One of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do is accept and acknowledge my privilege. It’s an ongoing project...My life has been far from perfect, but it’s somewhat embarrassing for me to accept just how much privilege I have.” (16)
“We tend to believe that accusations of privilege imply we have it easy, which we resent because life is hard for nearly everyone….To have privilege in one or more areas does not mean you are wholly privileged.” (17)
“You don’t necessarily have to do anything once you acknowledge your privilege. You don’t have to apologize for it. You need to understand the extent of your privilege, the consequences of your privilege, and remain aware that people who are different from you move through and experience the world in ways you might never know anything about. They might endure situations you can never know anything about. You could, however, use that privilege for the greater good -- to try to level the playing field for everyone, to work for social justice, to bring attention to how those without certain privileges are disenfranchised.” (17)
Did this essay influence the ways that you think about your own privilege or about privilege as a larger concept? How?
Do you think we have a further responsibility regarding privilege, beyond just acknowledging it?