Understanding and Checking Your Privilege in a Global Context
In the realm of social and political discourse, the concept of privilege often comes to the forefront. It is an important tool for understanding the dynamics of inequality and the ways in which certain individuals are advantaged through their societal position. For instance, a privilege is when a person can acquire a good or service through their own possessions, whereas the government can provide that same good or service to individuals through tax money or other means.
Citizenship, on the other hand, is a set of civil, political, and social rights and obligations that individuals exercise within a given country. For example, through citizenship, one can enjoy freedoms like life, equality before the law, the right to vote, housing, education, and healthcare. It is a complex relationship where both the individual and society have rights and duties.
Check Your Privilege Through Personal Experiences and Reflection
The author of this piece has personal experience with privilege, having moved to the Philippines in the 1980s at the tender age of six. On each school day, they would ride a bus to an American school, seeing firsthand the stark differences in lifestyles and conditions. While they lived comfortable and sheltered, others faced poverty and hardship.
It's important to recognize that many of us who read this, either now or in the past, have experienced some form of privilege and advantage, such as having an advanced degree and a high-paying job. It's crucial to acknowledge this and maintain humility, as the universe has played a role in our success. Failing to do so can lead to becoming an out-of-touch person who laments minor inconveniences and misattributes others' failures to their own doing.
The Impact of Privilege on Social and Political Dynamics
Privilege plays a significant role in social and political dynamics. Social rights, a hallmark of modern citizenship, are designed to ensure certain prerogatives related to minimum conditions of social and economic well-being. These rights enable citizens to fully enjoy the exercise of civil and political rights. For example, the right to education, health care, and housing are foundational to a citizen's quality of life.
The fundamental attribution error is a cognitive bias where one tends to attribute someone's failure to their own doing, while one's own failure is attributed to external circumstances. This can lead to misunderstandings and further entrench divisions.
By checking your privilege, you can become a more empathetic and understanding person, better equipped to contribute positively to society. This involves recognizing and acknowledging the advantages you may have been granted and striving to use them to uplift others.
Conclusion
In conclusion, understanding and checking your privilege is crucial in creating a more equitable society. It requires self-reflection, empathy, and a willingness to embrace the complexity of human rights and social injustices. Whether you were born into privilege or now live with advantages, it is important to remain humble and aware. This will help prevent you from becoming out-of-touch and ensure you contribute positively to the world around you.
Keywords: privilege, social rights, human rights, citizenship, equality