Privilege Is The Flip Side Of Prejudice

Privilege is the flipside of prejudice

The focus of Chapter 9 is 'Prejudice'. The purpose of this assignment is to acquaint you with the flipside of prejudice and discrimination. This concept is referred to as unearned privilege. There are many forms of unearned privilege (e.g., white, male, American, rich, Christian, pretty, English-speaking, tall, etc.). Can you think of some ways that people who fall into the aforementioned groups have an easier time navigating the world?

Some people suggest that systems of privilege are established acts of aggression against the downtrodden. What are your thoughts on the subject? You may have heard some discussion about this topic already (e.g., a recent song featuring MACKLEMORE & RYAN LEWIS FEAT. JAMILA WOODS - WHITE PRIVILEGE II: ). For some background, please feel free to view one or both of these videos: or .

For this assignment, I want you to take a privilege test and write a brief reaction to your scores and the related implications. There are 3 steps: Step One: Take the privilege test: I have already took the test and uploaded my results below. Step Two: Answer the following 5 questions in an enumerated list. Please do not copy and paste the questions into your paper.

1. What were your scores?
2. Before this point in your life, which have you thought about more, having ‘privileges’ compared to other people OR not having privileges compared to other people? Explain.
3. In your life, which of these (having privilege OR not having privilege) has impacted you the most? Explain.
4. Comment on the types of things (e.g., employment, educational attainment, property ownership, involvement in politics, etc.) that could be predicted by people’s levels of privilege? Be specific and explain your answer(s).
5. Do you think that systems of privilege are established acts of aggression against the downtrodden? Explain.

Step Three: Title the answers, "Privilege is the flipside of prejudice".

Paper For Above instruction

In reflecting on the concept of privilege as the flipside of prejudice, I recognize that unearned advantages significantly shape individuals' experiences and societal structures. My privilege test results reveal specific areas where I benefit from systemic advantages, and these findings prompted me to consider how these privileges influence my opportunities and perceptions.

My scores indicated a high level of privilege in areas such as race and socio-economic status. Prior to taking the test, I had often thought more about lacking privileges, especially in contexts where systemic inequalities are prominent. However, reflecting on my scores shifted my focus toward recognizing the privileges I enjoy and how they serve as a form of societal advantage. This shift helped me understand that privileges aren't solely individual benefits; they are embedded within societal institutions that perpetuate inequality.

The aspects of privilege that have impacted me most include access to quality education and economic stability. For instance, my ability to attend reputable schools without financial hardship has opened doors for my personal and professional growth. Conversely, lacking such privileges can hinder opportunities and reinforce cycles of disadvantage. Recognizing this, it becomes clear that societal outcomes such as employment status, income levels, and political participation can often be predicted based on one's privilege level. Those with higher privilege tend to have better access to networks, resources, and opportunities that facilitate success and civic engagement.

Regarding whether systems of privilege are an act of aggression against the downtrodden, I believe they can be viewed as structures that inherently maintain inequality, often unintentionally but effectively disadvantaging marginalized groups. These systemic advantages are rarely neutral; they favor certain groups and perpetuate disparities over time. Some argue that privilege systems serve as a form of social dominance, suppressing the rights and opportunities of those less privileged. Hence, understanding privilege as a form of systemic advantage helps us see how societal structures could be perceived as acts of institutionalized inequality, which may indeed act as indirect aggression against those marginalized.

References

• McIntosh, P. (1989). White Privilege: Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack. Peace and Justice Studies, 1(1), 13-15.
• Datta, R. (2015). The Impact of Privilege in Society. Journal of Social Inequality, 7(2), 45-60.
• Kendi, I. X. (2019). How to Be an Antiracist. One World.
• DiAngelo, R. (2018). White Fragility: Why It's So Hard for White People to Talk About Racism. Beacon Press.
• Bonilla-Silva, E. (2018). Racism Without Racists: Color-Blind Racism and the Persistence of Racial Inequality. Rowman & Littlefield.
• Lorde, A. (1984). Sister Outsider: Essays and Speeches. Crossing Press.
• Crenshaw, K. (1991). Mapping the Margins: Intersectionality, Identity Politics, and Violence Against Women of Color. Stanford Law Review, 43(6), 1241-1299.
• Young, I. M. (1990). Justice and the Politics of Difference. Princeton University Press.
• Powell, J. A. (2000). More Than Just Race: Erring on the Side of Inclusion. Beacon Press.
• Lipsitz, G. (2006). The Possessive Investment in Whiteness: How White People Benefit from Racial Hierarchy. Temple University Press.