In
thinking about privilege over the last two days, I have been able to identify
numerous ways I receive privilege in U.S. Society.
1. As
an able bodied person, I never have to worry about being able to access
anything. When I went to lunch a few weeks ago with a friend who uses a walker,
it became clear that the restaurant was not completely accessible easily for
anyone who isn’t able bodied. The seating was on a step-up style platform;
there wasn’t a convenient place for her walker. I can easily maneuver through
crowded supermarkets and clothing racks, not worried about getting caught on
anything. There is always space for me to sit easily in a classroom, and no one
condescendingly offers me assistance on a regular basis. I don’t have to wonder
if someone rewarded my hard work because I am “overcoming” something, I can
feel confident my hard work as an able bodied person is attributed to me. No
one will accuse me of getting ahead because of a disability either, regardless
of whether or not it’s true. I am considered capable as a person, ahead of
someone who is considered disabled.
2 As
a cisgendered woman, I can go to a clothing store and be directed to the
appropriate fitting room without issue. I can browse through women’s underwear
and women’s clothing without concern or embarrassment, and without anyone
staring at me or whispering behind my back. I can purchase make-up, hair
products, anything considered feminine, and no one will question my intentions
or consider me a pervert, or as doing anything outside of ordinary. I do not
have to worry about passing, or even worry about the concept of passing. I know
where to go to the bathroom and it is unlikely anyone will question my presence
or harass me. I can feel secure in my gender because no one is constantly
questioning me, or bullying me based on my appearance. I get to look in the
mirror and see a reflection that seems correct and familiar.
3. As
a white person, I can go into a store, fairly certain that if someone is
being watched or followed, it’s not me. If I get pulled over by a police officer, I will not have
my citizenship questioned; and if I am issued a ticket, it will not be
attributed to my race. My voice is more likely to be heard than a person of
color’s voice, even if we are speaking about an issue that concerns people of
color, and not the voices of white people. When I say I am an American, no one
will say to me, “African-American, Mexican-American, Asian American.” It will
be accepted that I am an American because I am white. No one will say I got my
job just because of my race and affirmative action. Currently, I subscribe to a cosmetics sample site. In the
3-4 months I’ve been subscribing, I’ve gotten several skin care/foundation
samples. All have been for fair to medium complexions, though I have never been
asked what color my skin is. I can google search for snarky images, and be sure that most of the results will feature people who represent my group.
ECard
ECard
