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functioning_cog

(294 posts)
Fri Mar 14, 2014, 08:14 PM Mar 2014

I keep hearing people talk about privilege. What is it?

Not familiar with the term other than "it would be my privilege to hold the door for you, ma'am".

Then again, I went to college for technical degree and didn't take many liberal arts classes.

118 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
I keep hearing people talk about privilege. What is it? (Original Post) functioning_cog Mar 2014 OP
Did you take any history classes? Rex Mar 2014 #1
I learned about discrimination but not privilege functioning_cog Mar 2014 #61
OH. So you mean privilege in the PAST... maced666 Mar 2014 #94
Just so happens that you should mention that... MrScorpio Mar 2014 #2
Excellent explanation. Maedhros Mar 2014 #31
Privilege involves a social, economic or legal system which inherently favors specific groups. Gravitycollapse Mar 2014 #3
Glad you asked that question customerserviceguy Mar 2014 #4
So you mean like White Guilt? VanillaRhapsody Mar 2014 #5
Sure customerserviceguy Mar 2014 #9
How about American Guilt? Do we even acknowledge American Privilege, the kind that allows us sabrina 1 Mar 2014 #87
sigh.... VanillaRhapsody Mar 2014 #89
Indeed, it's a heavy burden for privileged Americans to be asked to at least think of sabrina 1 Mar 2014 #91
that is NOT what the sigh is for.... VanillaRhapsody Mar 2014 #92
No, that's a strawman. NuclearDem Mar 2014 #6
Ah, yes, the "strawman" argument customerserviceguy Mar 2014 #15
No. Nobody is expecting you to feel guilt. NuclearDem Mar 2014 #21
OMG, you just played the "reverse racism" card. How did you last this long at DU? geek tragedy Mar 2014 #23
Did you read this? Maedhros Mar 2014 #32
facts can easily be insulting hfojvt Mar 2014 #99
"There's a big difference between guilt and responsibility." PoliticalPothead Mar 2014 #55
No, you are not treestar Mar 2014 #101
That sounds like the definition of discrimination? pipoman Mar 2014 #36
The lack of discrimination is privilege. NuclearDem Mar 2014 #42
Thank you for the thoughtful response. pipoman Mar 2014 #47
fact is not a mistake...fact is fact. VanillaRhapsody Mar 2014 #90
Apparently you didn't understand what I wrote. . pipoman Mar 2014 #108
Apparently you don't understand the meaning of the word... VanillaRhapsody Mar 2014 #118
That isn't the definition of privilege. Gravitycollapse Mar 2014 #7
I have a feeling customerserviceguy Mar 2014 #10
I don't believe it's a wise or ethical practice to craft definitions for other's biases. Gravitycollapse Mar 2014 #12
Ok, so then don't customerserviceguy Mar 2014 #16
The ethical is the universal. Which means it applies to you. Gravitycollapse Mar 2014 #20
Definitions evolve. pipoman Mar 2014 #40
There's a difference between linguistic evolution and someone changing it to their fancy. Gravitycollapse Mar 2014 #41
Definitions evolve because people use a word pipoman Mar 2014 #43
Person =/= People. Gravitycollapse Mar 2014 #49
The application of the word "privilege" to describe pipoman Mar 2014 #111
No you weren't ... 1StrongBlackMan Mar 2014 #45
And the dictionary says... VanillaRhapsody Mar 2014 #8
So why highlight what you did when the guy is obviously asking about the next definition WhaTHellsgoingonhere Mar 2014 #25
He said he KNEW and understood that one... VanillaRhapsody Mar 2014 #84
Synonym "advantage" treestar Mar 2014 #102
thanks for the insight, did you hear that on Rush? geek tragedy Mar 2014 #11
I don't listen to that windbag customerserviceguy Mar 2014 #17
You sound just like him on the issue of white privilege. geek tragedy Mar 2014 #22
Privilege isn't about guilt, and if you think it is, you don't understand the concept. kwassa Mar 2014 #37
That would be ignored customerserviceguy Mar 2014 #46
The problem we are having ... kwassa Mar 2014 #48
It is a 'glass half empty' approach. . pipoman Mar 2014 #110
isn't it funny hfojvt Mar 2014 #116
Complete silence? Well that's progress, I suppose. Zenlitened Mar 2014 #74
No one says you are personally responsible treestar Mar 2014 #103
+1,000 alcibiades_mystery Mar 2014 #67
lol Sheldon Cooper Mar 2014 #13
please tell me you forgot a sarcasm tag Kali Mar 2014 #18
Frankly, I usually avoid these threads customerserviceguy Mar 2014 #24
So you don't believe systemic racism exists? You don't believe prejudice can be codified? Gravitycollapse Mar 2014 #26
Both are very much a reality. But it does not give literal privilege to "white" folks..... AverageJoe90 Mar 2014 #71
I brought those up because I wanted to know if the poster believed in codification. Gravitycollapse Mar 2014 #85
No, you gave the answer that white supremacists and homophobes give. NuclearDem Mar 2014 #28
DU is better off without your Republican talking points on race. now that you have revealed geek tragedy Mar 2014 #29
Don't waste your breath... Open racism like this is now permitted on DU... Ohio Joe Mar 2014 #35
you are conflating self-awareness with guilt Kali Mar 2014 #30
How many times have you been told in this thread that it isn't about guilt? gollygee Mar 2014 #52
No it's not ... 1StrongBlackMan Mar 2014 #38
No, it is not treestar Mar 2014 #100
Excellent Idea for a Thread Chum! Warren DeMontague Mar 2014 #14
You're right, it's been too quiet here tonight. Gidney N Cloyd Mar 2014 #19
What, is Google down? LeftyMom Mar 2014 #27
No. It was on January 24, 2014 but it's back up functioning_cog Mar 2014 #76
Then why are you asking DUers to do your work for you? Go read. nt LeftyMom Mar 2014 #77
From the replies it doesn't look like much work was done functioning_cog Mar 2014 #78
I think he's playing dumb A-Schwarzenegger Mar 2014 #81
That's my read too. LeftyMom Mar 2014 #82
Although maybe he's not A-Schwarzenegger Mar 2014 #83
You sure are busy tonight. "Questions". myrna minx Mar 2014 #33
yes Skittles Mar 2014 #34
Maybe perhaps you should kick his reverse racism ass Skittles? NuclearDem Mar 2014 #44
"reverse racism" Skittles Mar 2014 #60
When you stir shit... do you lick the spoon? You should. cherokeeprogressive Mar 2014 #39
That's really gross functioning_cog Mar 2014 #50
And... cherokeeprogressive Mar 2014 #51
oh, you decided to return to your thread. Kali Mar 2014 #53
Yes. I'm sorry to keep you waiting. functioning_cog Mar 2014 #54
Why, oh, why did you do this? Comrade Grumpy Mar 2014 #56
You were free of this ... 1StrongBlackMan Mar 2014 #57
And talking it to death on a discussion board does what? Comrade Grumpy Mar 2014 #62
The exact same thing discussing anything on a message boad does .... 1StrongBlackMan Mar 2014 #65
Perhaps waving away and dismissing the experience of others myrna minx Mar 2014 #86
If you have to ask, you already have it Tom Ripley Mar 2014 #58
Alright...but just curious. If I went to a corner barbershop in Detroit or functioning_cog Mar 2014 #63
Perhaps 2naSalit Mar 2014 #59
Wait. What? That's not at all what people above in thread functioning_cog Mar 2014 #64
Well 2naSalit Mar 2014 #69
Chris Rock said it best, I think rustydog Mar 2014 #66
I'd rather be black and rich than white and poor any day functioning_cog Mar 2014 #68
That might not be so far-fetched, TBH(though I don't necessarily see it that way, quite). AverageJoe90 Mar 2014 #72
Yep, remember Oprah and her experience in Europe treestar Mar 2014 #104
Oh there is overt racism in today's America rustydog Mar 2014 #113
Would you rather be black & poor than white & poor any day? A-Schwarzenegger Mar 2014 #79
Both would suck equally. functioning_cog Mar 2014 #80
It's a rather interesting concept that dates back to the Nixon era. AverageJoe90 Mar 2014 #70
Thanks. I appreciate the more nuanced response functioning_cog Mar 2014 #73
Yeah, that's some nuance there. The Midway Rebel Mar 2014 #95
Tremendously Rollicking Ordnance Languishing Loudly. A-Schwarzenegger Mar 2014 #75
Amateur James Bondish spoon bender. myrna minx Mar 2014 #88
I need to use one of my lifelines. A-Schwarzenegger Mar 2014 #93
What I actually meant was: Truly Responsible Ovation Louder, Louder! myrna minx Mar 2014 #97
Yes, you know, they destroyed over $1000 worth of things A-Schwarzenegger Mar 2014 #98
Just Explaining Real Knowledge The Midway Rebel Mar 2014 #96
Privilege is guaranteed in the Charters of Freedom KansDem Mar 2014 #105
cool story, bro fishwax Mar 2014 #106
Welcome back. Starry Messenger Mar 2014 #107
Nothing to worry or do anything about... Lost_Count Mar 2014 #109
if you have to ask, you're living it... KG Mar 2014 #112
+10000 Lex Mar 2014 #114
And I don't believe you for a nanosecond. cali Mar 2014 #115
privilege mercuryblues Mar 2014 #117
 

functioning_cog

(294 posts)
61. I learned about discrimination but not privilege
Fri Mar 14, 2014, 11:22 PM
Mar 2014

I think I get where people are coming from. Just a weird concept.

 

Maedhros

(10,007 posts)
31. Excellent explanation.
Fri Mar 14, 2014, 08:50 PM
Mar 2014

Jay Smooth also has some excellent youtube videos relating to privilege.

Gravitycollapse

(8,155 posts)
3. Privilege involves a social, economic or legal system which inherently favors specific groups.
Fri Mar 14, 2014, 08:19 PM
Mar 2014

In these systems, a positive outcome is not always guaranteed. What it does mean however is that, in a given situation, a favored group will be more likely to receive a positive, or more positive, outcome than a non-favored group.

customerserviceguy

(25,183 posts)
4. Glad you asked that question
Fri Mar 14, 2014, 08:22 PM
Mar 2014

It's about you feeling appropriate guilt for things that people who looked like you did a long time before you were born, that you still theoretically benefit from.

Clear on that now?

sabrina 1

(62,325 posts)
87. How about American Guilt? Do we even acknowledge American Privilege, the kind that allows us
Sat Mar 15, 2014, 01:30 AM
Mar 2014

to go around the world killing perfectly innocent, men, women and children? THAT is what privilege means to many of our victims.

We are a fraction of the world's population but we claim superiority over cultures who are far more numerous, with histories that go back way further than ours. We are unapologetic about the slaughter and torture of 'lesser' people. Our Military Generals order the troops to treat our victims 'like dogs'.

I find it hard to worry too much about our internal squabbles when I see the photos of the bodies of the beautiful little 'brown' children we feel it necessary to kill 'for our very privileged' security.

But maybe it's just me, who can't overlook the crimes we have, as a nation, all of us, committed against ethnicities we apparently view as inferior to us.

sabrina 1

(62,325 posts)
91. Indeed, it's a heavy burden for privileged Americans to be asked to at least think of
Sat Mar 15, 2014, 01:56 AM
Mar 2014

what is being done in their name to human beings who they appear to view as unworthy of the same sympathy as our superior citizens deserve.

Ever talk to a woman from the ME about the US? She will explain to you what privilege is.

 

NuclearDem

(16,184 posts)
6. No, that's a strawman.
Fri Mar 14, 2014, 08:24 PM
Mar 2014

Acknowledging privilege is about recognizing that you automatically get a leg up on someone who otherwise is your equal simply by virtue of your race, gender, sexuality, income level, or religion, and subsequently erecting a filter in your brain when it comes to discussing communities that aren't your own.

Let's try a couple of examples:

You, a white man, (hypothetically) think "Why do black people hate the cops so much? They've never been anything but polite to me." You don't acknowledge that black communities are unfairly targeted by law enforcement simply because of their race. You being white statistically means you don't experience that. That's privilege.

You, a man, think "I think getting hit on is a compliment. Why do women have such an issue with it?" What you don't acknowledge is that women are harassed constantly, and are actually afraid of (or sometimes just irritated by) some people who make unsolicited passes at them. As a man, you statistically don't have to deal with that. That's privilege.

customerserviceguy

(25,183 posts)
15. Ah, yes, the "strawman" argument
Fri Mar 14, 2014, 08:31 PM
Mar 2014

When you haven't got any reasonable rebuttal here, you (not specifically you, but many here) trot out the "S" word.

I didn't enslave anybody, or beat anybody, or any of that, but I'm expected to feel guilt and consciousness because people who happened to resemble me did a long time ago, or may still be doing so. "Privilege" is just racism (group guilt) in reverse.

 

NuclearDem

(16,184 posts)
21. No. Nobody is expecting you to feel guilt.
Fri Mar 14, 2014, 08:35 PM
Mar 2014

What people are expecting is for you to understand that you automatically have a leg up compared to someone else who is otherwise your equal.

No ones saying it's your fault and that you're a bad person for being white, or straight, or male, or whatever.

That's a stupid argument used only by racists, homophobes, misogynists, and the 1% to make minorities seem like the bullies.

 

Maedhros

(10,007 posts)
32. Did you read this?
Fri Mar 14, 2014, 08:53 PM
Mar 2014
http://www.democraticunderground.com/10024665590

Privilege is a fact, not an insult. You can't help it if you have it, and you don't have to feel guilty about it.


hfojvt

(37,573 posts)
99. facts can easily be insulting
Sat Mar 15, 2014, 02:52 AM
Mar 2014

I mean a fat person is fat, right. And a stupid person really IS stupid. So I guess it is NOT an insult for me to continually remind them of this FACT.

And it IS insulting to tell people they are privileged when they are well to the bottom of society. Although, the response may actually be laughter at the stupidity of the statement, rather than a feeling of insult.

But then too, the advice is NOT to feel guilty, instead it is to "shut the fuck up." and to go around learning, because, after all, by having white skin and a male gender, you must be the dumbest person in the room who needs to learn from everybody else, who can tell you how privileged you are, even though they know barely anything about your life.

PoliticalPothead

(220 posts)
55. "There's a big difference between guilt and responsibility."
Fri Mar 14, 2014, 10:54 PM
Mar 2014

"Guilt is what you feel for what you've done, responsibility is what you take because of the kind of person that you are."

 

NuclearDem

(16,184 posts)
42. The lack of discrimination is privilege.
Fri Mar 14, 2014, 10:01 PM
Mar 2014

Well, not having to face challenges that others face simply by virtue of things beyond their control is privilege. Discrimination is a big part of it, but street harassment is part of it too.

 

pipoman

(16,038 posts)
47. Thank you for the thoughtful response.
Fri Mar 14, 2014, 10:16 PM
Mar 2014

I have asked this question before and have only gotten argumentative responses.

I view it as a mistake to label people not being discriminated against as privileged. Privileged indicates, as the definition states, something unearned. We have not all received what we have earned. Those who haven't received what they earned because of race, religion, sexual orientation, gender, etc. have, by the definition of discrimination, been discriminated against.

Discrimination can be, has been, battled. Privilege can't be had by all.

Gravitycollapse

(8,155 posts)
20. The ethical is the universal. Which means it applies to you.
Fri Mar 14, 2014, 08:35 PM
Mar 2014

You can still make up definitions but it isn't ethical and you are wrong for doing so.

Gravitycollapse

(8,155 posts)
41. There's a difference between linguistic evolution and someone changing it to their fancy.
Fri Mar 14, 2014, 09:58 PM
Mar 2014

But you already know that.

 

pipoman

(16,038 posts)
43. Definitions evolve because people use a word
Fri Mar 14, 2014, 10:02 PM
Mar 2014

In a different context than it was intended, or in a new context.

Gravitycollapse

(8,155 posts)
49. Person =/= People.
Fri Mar 14, 2014, 10:24 PM
Mar 2014

A contextual shift is the result of a change in the perception of the population of language speakers, not in the use by an individual.

Now, a person can claim to reappropriate words. But that is a meaningless endeavor unless he or she can influence a larger body.

Moreover, the evolution of language is, like biological evolution, extremely incremental and slow.

In other words, using a word incorrectly is not tantamount to restructuring language.

 

pipoman

(16,038 posts)
111. The application of the word "privilege" to describe
Sat Mar 15, 2014, 09:25 AM
Mar 2014

what has historically been called 'discrimination', by a large amount of people, could/may result in a recognized contextual change in the definition of the word "privilege".

 

1StrongBlackMan

(31,849 posts)
45. No you weren't ...
Fri Mar 14, 2014, 10:05 PM
Mar 2014
Poll re white privilege

What do you think?


206 votes, 9 passes | Time left: Unlimited
It is a real thing

188 (91%)

boston bean, OldHippieChick, Small Accumulates, Tikki, jeff47, fishwax, kwassa, seabeyond, Pale Blue Dot, stjohndoe, Squinch, loyalsister, all american girl, Bobbie Jo, morningfog, PowerToThePeople, xchrom, barnabas63, Maedhros, Lunacee_2013, Starry Messenger, uponit7771, frogmarch, KitSileya, RDANGELO, CrispyQ, grahamhgreen, Skidmore, Quayblue, ScreamingMeemie, Warren Stupidity, Bluenorthwest, Phentex, TeeYiYi, CTyankee, Scout, KamaAina, alittlelark, PassingFair, La Lioness Priyanka, sinkingfeeling, raven mad, ZombieHorde, onpatrol98, pothos, cinnabonbon, F4lconF16, sheshe2, Warpy, JDPriestly, blogslut, OLDMDDEM, RebelOne, Euphoria, broiles, johnp3907, philly_bob, rrneck, Xithras, Polly Hennessey, UtahLib, stevenleser, liberalla, TDale313, Quixote1818, cyndensco, wandy, WillyT, Marrah_G, hlthe2b, petronius, Shoulders of Giants, PunkinPi, BklnDem75, demmiblue, uppityperson, freshwest, awoke_in_2003, Sweet Freedom, jazzwinders, pink-o, Pirate Smile, Hayduke Bomgarte, moriah, Solly Mack, Vodid, lovemydog, supernova, hedgehog, WhollyHeretic, Paladin, ananda, IcyPeas, brush, City Lights, Whisp, laundry_queen, defacto7, Tierra_y_Libertad, underthematrix, TheKentuckian, ancianita, Capt. Obvious, me b zola, snot, FuzzyRabbit, noamnety, Diamonique, Curmudgeoness, YoungDemCA, redqueen, Hazelrah, MrScorpio, pscot, Segami, BanzaiBonnie, sufrommich, ret5hd, Cal Carpenter, Electric Monk, 3grey, stranger81, Tuesday Afternoon, albino65, noiretextatique, rbrnmw, pampango, roody, MH1, catbyte, spooky3, Heidi, Wounded Bear, Hell Hath No Fury, DoBotherMe, LadyHawkAZ, MineralMan, gollygee, el_bryanto, LiberalLoner, A-Schwarzenegger, Jean Louise Finch, Kip Humphrey, Ms. Toad, PDittie, Captain Stern, handmade34, seaglass, VanillaRhapsody, Nevernose, Adrahil, countryjake, giftedgirl77, toddwv, wcast, Zenlitened, Pretzel_Warrior, RainDog, geek tragedy, MadrasT, bettyellen, Left2Tackle, KauaiK, Gravitycollapse, yewberry, dawg, Number23, DFLforever, MrMickeysMom, onestepforward, nomorenomore08, ariesgem, bananas, Bonobo, NOLALady, Democracyinkind, Sarah Ibarruri, Kahuna, DreamGypsy, M0rpheus, Isoldeblue, ablamj, shanti, JustAnotherGen, CreekDog, SouthernLiberal, Tracyjo, Duncan Grant

I don't buy it

18 (9%)

Shrek, maser, shenmue, WatermelonRat, AverageJoe90, badtoworse, hfojvt, KinMd, aka-chmeee, raygons, TM99, richmwill, bobGandolf, Boomerproud, Wolf Frankula, customerserviceguy, cprompt, KansDem

9 DU members did not wish to select any of the options provided.
pipi_k, dilby, marshall, 99Forever, ChaoticSilly, bigwillq, yellowcanine, linuxman, 840high


Sadly, you spoke your heart.
 

VanillaRhapsody

(21,115 posts)
8. And the dictionary says...
Fri Mar 14, 2014, 08:26 PM
Mar 2014

priv·i·lege
ˈpriv(ə lij/Submit
noun
1.
a special right, advantage, or immunity granted or available only to a particular person or group of people.
"education is a right, not a privilege"
synonyms: advantage, benefit; More
something regarded as a rare opportunity and bringing particular pleasure.
"I have the privilege of awarding you this scholarship"
synonyms: honor, pleasure More
(in a parliamentary context) the right to say or write something without the risk of incurring punishment or legal action for defamation.
noun: absolute privilege; plural noun: absolute privileges
the right of a lawyer or official to refuse to divulge confidential information.
historical
a grant to an individual, corporation, or place of special rights or immunities, esp. in the form of a franchise or monopoly.
synonyms: immunity, exemption, dispensation More
verbformal
verb: privilege; 3rd person present: privileges; past tense: privileged; past participle: privileged; gerund or present participle: privileging
1.
grant a privilege or privileges to.
"English inheritance law privileged the eldest son"

 

WhaTHellsgoingonhere

(5,252 posts)
25. So why highlight what you did when the guy is obviously asking about the next definition
Fri Mar 14, 2014, 08:39 PM
Mar 2014

"I have the privilege of awarding you this scholarship"
synonyms: honor, pleasure More


Why can't people make this simple?

Why didn't the OP just Google?

Holy shit!

 

VanillaRhapsody

(21,115 posts)
84. He said he KNEW and understood that one...
Sat Mar 15, 2014, 12:48 AM
Mar 2014

He knew what that kind was....the highlighted is the big DU argument about it...

 

geek tragedy

(68,868 posts)
11. thanks for the insight, did you hear that on Rush?
Fri Mar 14, 2014, 08:29 PM
Mar 2014

amazing the ignorant shit about race one reads at DU.

customerserviceguy

(25,183 posts)
17. I don't listen to that windbag
Fri Mar 14, 2014, 08:34 PM
Mar 2014

I'm glad to hear you do feel appropriate guilt. Sort of takes the burden off of me.

 

geek tragedy

(68,868 posts)
22. You sound just like him on the issue of white privilege.
Fri Mar 14, 2014, 08:36 PM
Mar 2014

and no I don't feel guilt. I do feel responsibility though, but not so much that it lets you off the hook

kwassa

(23,340 posts)
37. Privilege isn't about guilt, and if you think it is, you don't understand the concept.
Fri Mar 14, 2014, 09:37 PM
Mar 2014

there are several excellent explanations already on the the subject in this thread, which you apparently have ignored.

There were also massive threads on this subject in the past few weeks, which you completely missed or ignored.

customerserviceguy

(25,183 posts)
46. That would be ignored
Fri Mar 14, 2014, 10:07 PM
Mar 2014

I'm into the idea of each of us being responsible for what we have done or failed to do, not into the concept of accepting responsibility for what others have done in the name of my race, gender, or orientation.

However, I'm permanently done discussing this topic on this forum, and realized it was a mistake to have tried to engage in any sort of dialog on it. I leave the rest of you to either feel the burdens of privilege, or the necessity to remind other people of it's existence, I'm going back to complete silence on the topic, as it is clear that my views on it are absolutely unwelcome here.

kwassa

(23,340 posts)
48. The problem we are having ...
Fri Mar 14, 2014, 10:17 PM
Mar 2014

in just one more brief attempt to explain it to you ...

I agree with you that we are each responsible for what we have done or failed to do.

Privilege isn't about doing anything, now or in the past.

Privilege is a benefit that comes about through circumstances of birth. It is much like an inheritance. It only requires awareness, not guilt. Whites have privilege now, in this country, through the accident of being born white.

That is all. No guilt. Just awareness. If you would like more specifics on that benefit, let us know.

 

pipoman

(16,038 posts)
110. It is a 'glass half empty' approach. .
Sat Mar 15, 2014, 09:19 AM
Mar 2014

Regardless how much you try to explain, words have meaning. The idea being the concept of some "unearned privilege" is possessed by some people based on race, gender, etc. My post #47 clarifies my position.

hfojvt

(37,573 posts)
116. isn't it funny
Sat Mar 15, 2014, 12:59 PM
Mar 2014

how the people who supposedly have this (or these) benefit(s) for some reason have to have it explained to them?

I mean, here's a white male who just got home from his job of digging ditches on a rainy day, and he goes to the internet to read about how privileged he is for being white and male.

Zenlitened

(9,488 posts)
74. Complete silence? Well that's progress, I suppose.
Fri Mar 14, 2014, 11:59 PM
Mar 2014
"However, I'm permanently done discussing this topic on this forum... I'm going back to complete silence on the topic..."


Less talking, more listening is crucial for any of us trying to get a better handle on our privilege.

customerserviceguy

(25,183 posts)
24. Frankly, I usually avoid these threads
Fri Mar 14, 2014, 08:37 PM
Mar 2014

They're non-productive, as they attempt to use guilt as a way to get people over to your side, and that only works with weak minds. However, I did see a relative newbie ask what I thought was a sincere question about something that is talked about here often, and I thought I'd give him a straight answer from someone who doesn't buy into collective guilt theories promulgated by those who don't view people as individuals who are responsible for their own behavior and actions, rather than what someone who resembled them did.

 

AverageJoe90

(10,745 posts)
71. Both are very much a reality. But it does not give literal privilege to "white" folks.....
Fri Mar 14, 2014, 11:41 PM
Mar 2014

.....especially not in a country whose history has involved plenty of divide-and-conquer games *within* the so-called "white" community.

Gravitycollapse

(8,155 posts)
85. I brought those up because I wanted to know if the poster believed in codification.
Sat Mar 15, 2014, 12:52 AM
Mar 2014

At least legal and social codification. If they do, and I suspect they do, then they cannot make the argument that it is all a simple matter of personal choice or personal racism or personal privilege. It is a matter of existing within a social, economic and legal system which has codified privilege.

 

geek tragedy

(68,868 posts)
29. DU is better off without your Republican talking points on race. now that you have revealed
Fri Mar 14, 2014, 08:43 PM
Mar 2014

your profound ignorance on race in America and the dictionary definition of "privilege" maybe you should just excuse yourself

Ohio Joe

(21,656 posts)
35. Don't waste your breath... Open racism like this is now permitted on DU...
Fri Mar 14, 2014, 09:32 PM
Mar 2014

Juries don't hide it and Admins don't ban for it... It's simply now allowed.

Kali

(54,990 posts)
30. you are conflating self-awareness with guilt
Fri Mar 14, 2014, 08:44 PM
Mar 2014

or rather it might be a lack of self-awareness. If you can not see or comprehend that there is privilege by virtue of unearned traits held by various demographics and only see some imaginary demand that you feel GUILT as a probable beneficiary of various kinds of privilege, then I am not sure what else there is to say.

gollygee

(22,336 posts)
52. How many times have you been told in this thread that it isn't about guilt?
Fri Mar 14, 2014, 10:33 PM
Mar 2014

And yet you keep talking about guilt.

 

functioning_cog

(294 posts)
78. From the replies it doesn't look like much work was done
Sat Mar 15, 2014, 12:17 AM
Mar 2014

Other than a couple of well thought out posts. Are you always this rude or just on Fridays?

myrna minx

(22,772 posts)
33. You sure are busy tonight. "Questions".
Fri Mar 14, 2014, 09:03 PM
Mar 2014

I too, have questions.

If a breastfeeding pit bull coats chicken with corn flakes at the olive garden, does that make an Asian woodcarver more or less a Nader voter?

Questions.

[URL=.html][IMG][/IMG][/URL]

 

NuclearDem

(16,184 posts)
44. Maybe perhaps you should kick his reverse racism ass Skittles?
Fri Mar 14, 2014, 10:02 PM
Mar 2014

You'll show him the true meaning of privilege, yes indeed?

Skittles

(152,964 posts)
60. "reverse racism"
Fri Mar 14, 2014, 11:19 PM
Mar 2014

that indicates some kind of privilege right there - racism is racism is racism, right?

 

functioning_cog

(294 posts)
54. Yes. I'm sorry to keep you waiting.
Fri Mar 14, 2014, 10:53 PM
Mar 2014

I had not been aware of DU etiquette for how often DU posters are to keep their own threads active.

Regarding this topic--I learned a lot. I knew I would.

 

1StrongBlackMan

(31,849 posts)
57. You were free of this ...
Fri Mar 14, 2014, 11:11 PM
Mar 2014

others deal with it every day.

Just say ... PRIVILEGE is the luxury of thinking because it's not talked about it is not something to have to deal with.

 

1StrongBlackMan

(31,849 posts)
65. The exact same thing discussing anything on a message boad does ....
Fri Mar 14, 2014, 11:29 PM
Mar 2014

pick your last 8 posts, what were you trying to accomplish?

myrna minx

(22,772 posts)
86. Perhaps waving away and dismissing the experience of others
Sat Mar 15, 2014, 01:19 AM
Mar 2014

who suffer "driving while black" or "shopping while black" or like Trayvon Martin, walking while black, may seem rather privileged to many of us here- especially when it appears that these important issues are **boring** to those who appear to be oblivious to the plight for equality of others. "Talking to death" these issues is not a frame I'm willing to accept (I can make a loaded frame too - what ~I guess the NRA prefers we shoot to death our problems?).

Discussing issues of oppression and privilege on a liberal message board (which is what DU has been since I desperately washed ashore here in 2002) calls us to eliminate the racist neo-Jim Crow-esque laws erupting all over the country, eliminate voter suppression laws, illegal voter caging and purges that focus on African American, Latino and other minority voters, and draconian anti-woman reproductive health care laws, help augment Marriage equality laws for LGBTIQ, promote comprehensive immigration laws and promote mental health parity - which was a major cause for Senator Wellstone before he died. If these actions make those who have privilege uncomfortable : good.

When an uber privileged wealthy man from birth like Paul "P.D." Ryan, a man who perhaps *encountered* - *at most* 10 people of color at Craig Senior High School (and that includes the wonderful people in the foreign exchange program) took complete advantage of Social Security survivor benefits as a teenager *and* benefited from the world class Janesville public school system that the UAW help to fund, wax on his racist dog whistle about the lazy inner city men, that "inner city men" have no culture of work, Um, that lace curtain Janesville tax payer funded family legacy brahman defines the "man of the people" privilege.

 

functioning_cog

(294 posts)
63. Alright...but just curious. If I went to a corner barbershop in Detroit or
Fri Mar 14, 2014, 11:25 PM
Mar 2014

Visited a couple of shops in San Francisco's Chinatown and asked them what privilege is, are you certain they would know what I was talking about?

 

functioning_cog

(294 posts)
64. Wait. What? That's not at all what people above in thread
Fri Mar 14, 2014, 11:28 PM
Mar 2014

Described. You actually described heartless psychopathic people with no empathy.

2naSalit

(86,061 posts)
69. Well
Fri Mar 14, 2014, 11:37 PM
Mar 2014

most of them are empowered by their sense of privilege. Guess it could be seen as the far end of that pendulum swing. It's one of the definitions that come to mind when I see the word.

But then I'm sure there's a milder definition if the term that was not immediately available to me when I saw your post right after reading the one I offered a link for.

Sorry if I messed up the thread, didn't mean to.

rustydog

(9,186 posts)
66. Chris Rock said it best, I think
Fri Mar 14, 2014, 11:33 PM
Mar 2014

This is close, not a quote:

You want to know how good it is to be white?

There's a white one-legged busboy in right now that won't change places with my black ass, and I'm RICH!
He's going; Nah, man I don't wanna switch.
I wanna ride this white thing out, see where it takes me!

 

functioning_cog

(294 posts)
68. I'd rather be black and rich than white and poor any day
Fri Mar 14, 2014, 11:36 PM
Mar 2014

Just so long as I'm rich enough to hire a white driver. Lol.

 

AverageJoe90

(10,745 posts)
72. That might not be so far-fetched, TBH(though I don't necessarily see it that way, quite).
Fri Mar 14, 2014, 11:45 PM
Mar 2014

As overt racism has become less of a problem, classism has actually started to become more of a problem since the Reagan era, it seems. Wealthy People of Color do tend to be less directly affected by racism than those who are middle-class or working-class .....though they're not immune, either.

rustydog

(9,186 posts)
113. Oh there is overt racism in today's America
Sat Mar 15, 2014, 12:36 PM
Mar 2014

I work at a healthcare facility in Western Washington. People call security to report suspicious people in the parking garage or in a building. When asked why they are suspicious, it is not, actions, behaviors, dress...They are BLACK!
We call it BIK: Black In Kirkland...apparently a criminal offense.

It drives me nuts. people will witness blatantly suspicious activity and not report it, but will call security when three blacks are driving into the garage to park.....OMG!

 

functioning_cog

(294 posts)
80. Both would suck equally.
Sat Mar 15, 2014, 12:22 AM
Mar 2014

I like having a little walking around money even if odds are high I'll never be rich.

 

AverageJoe90

(10,745 posts)
70. It's a rather interesting concept that dates back to the Nixon era.
Fri Mar 14, 2014, 11:40 PM
Mar 2014

Originally, it was meant to be a metaphorical teaching tool, to make people think about the point of view of the disadvantaged. However, though, in more recent years, it has taken on a more literal meaning, and has, unfortunately, in tandem, sometimes used as an attack against people who disagree with the more extreme fringe elements of the SJ movement, usually referring to ethnic issues("white privilege&quot , though not always. Radical feminists such as Diana Boston have also abused the term to attack their own opponents, including fellow feminists, amongst other things.

(For example, with racism/other ethno-cultural based prejudices in particular, although a slight majority of the outright bigoted infighting in general on places like Tumblr, etc. appears to have been the fault of a few Individuals of Color, sad to say, there's been also a few white feminists guilty of their own bigotry, as well. There's a really decent lady from South Texas on YouTube who goes by Divinity33372 who was cruelly attacked by Diana Boston and some of her fans just for being sex-positive; some of these attacks even included ethnic slurs which I won't repeat here. This incident did not invoke the use of "privilege" as far as I can recall, but it was merely to illustrate that no one section is immune from these problems.)

 

functioning_cog

(294 posts)
73. Thanks. I appreciate the more nuanced response
Fri Mar 14, 2014, 11:56 PM
Mar 2014

It sounds like you've studied these issues and are not absolutist.

The Midway Rebel

(2,191 posts)
95. Yeah, that's some nuance there.
Sat Mar 15, 2014, 02:23 AM
Mar 2014

That poster managed to conflate white privilege with the Nixon era, bad "People of Color", and extremism.

myrna minx

(22,772 posts)
97. What I actually meant was: Truly Responsible Ovation Louder, Louder!
Sat Mar 15, 2014, 02:38 AM
Mar 2014

My previous post belonged in a movie review thread in 2007. Opps.

mercuryblues

(14,491 posts)
117. privilege
Sat Mar 15, 2014, 01:20 PM
Mar 2014

would be, being able to enjoy life without added conditions.

Like leaving work late and not having to consider what you would do if a person grabs you from behind to rape you. Checking the backseat of your car before getting in, checking under the car before approaching it.

If you get fired from your job your entire sex or race won't be called into question.

You can walk down the street without a group of people cat-calling that they want to "fuck your pert titties" If a woman tries to pick you up in a bar, you most likely won't be called " a fucking c*" if you say no.

If you have children and take an active role in parenting, you will be held up as an example and praised. If you chose not to have children, your maleness will not be called into question.

If you buy a new house or car, chances are you will be taken more seriously and get a better deal or interest rate. You will also be shown homes in areas where your neighbor has the same skin color as you.

If you are heterosexual, you most likely will not be asked when you realized you were straight. You can kiss/hold hands with your partner in public without fear of reprisal.

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