We Need More Tables by Norma Young

Author:Norma Young
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781990931628
Publisher: Jonathan Ball Publishers
Published: 2020-04-06T16:00:00+00:00

Most of the definitions are commonly used in contexts such as when an individual states that ‘it’s my privilege to be here’ or in the context of client-attorney privilege.

What isn’t as common is speaking of privilege as a privilege.

Though there are people far more privileged than I am, I would describe myself as privileged. I have had advantages, immunities and benefits beyond what many others have been afforded. This privilege has at times made me feel guilty, and in trying to figure out how to respond to this emotion, it took me a while to get to the point of acknowledging it, and then wielding it wisely: to redefining my privilege so that instead of feeling bad about the special treatment and access I have, I use that special treatment and access for greater purpose than personal gain.

We sometimes speak of privilege as a joy. On Instagram, you’ll find frequent use of the word privileged. It’s used in references to images in front of beautiful cars with the caption: ‘so privileged to call this baby mine’. Or the ubiquitous passport and boarding pass snap that comes with the caption: ‘privileged and blessed to be able to travel to X destination’.

Far less common both in Instagram and everyday life, is the use of privilege with a double meaning: as both what you get and what you give.

It is a privilege to get to be able to travel, and get to make the purchases of our dreams. But it’s also a privilege to give money, support, resources, access, opportunities. One of the challenges about dealing with privilege is the truth that life can be unfair; and that there will always be segmentation whether it’s of class or age or gender.

Consequently, it becomes overwhelming and difficult to know what to do and where to start in addressing inequalities.

Different scholars advocate different approaches; while some suggest that inequality can never and will never be eradicated.

It’s difficult terrain to navigate, and sometimes it’s easier to just stop and divert attention to other topics. But even this is an indication of privilege: when you have it, you can ignore it, not think about it and even deny its existence.

People who don’t have privilege, however, are confronted by its absence far too regularly. It’s not easy to forget, when daily life reminds you. These reminders can come in overhearing a colleague talking about having a late night and only getting three hours of sleep. If your daily commute to and from work is two hours each way, having a late night is too consequential. At the time this colleague is crawling into bed, you are likely rising out of yours.

Reminders can come in the awareness that you likely earn less than a colleague who is the same age and has the same qualification as you.

Reminders can come in the subtle insider jokes that reveal that you may be in the office, but you haven’t made it to the inner sanctum.

When you don’t have privilege, a lot of energy and thought goes into figuring out how to get it.

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