There’s a well-known article about white privilege by Peggy McIntosh (PDF) which talks about the ways in which each of us carries around an invisible knapsack of privilege—unearned benefits we gain from being white or male or able-bodied or any number of other categories. It’s rare that anyone has every possible privilege, and it’s rare that anyone has no privilege at all. The privileges don’t mean that we are bad—or good—but it’s helpful to recognize both what you carry around as a matter of course and what others might not have gotten.
What do you see in your knapsack of privileges?
I love this reflection piece. The next question to ask is, “What do others see in my knapsack of privilege?” Is it not a privilege to even have a knapsack? Some people/groups have so few privileges they fit in a pocket.
Kikanza, well said. Assuming that others’ knapsacks are “ok” isn’t the way to think. Thanks!
I have a knapsack of adult privileges. In many ways this is a necessity. I, as a voting member of our society, need to assume these privileges in order to help to determine the direction in which our society advances. However, I think that young people have privileges too; they deserve to be treated with dignity and respect. Although they must be taught how to grow to become a responsible adult, that should not give others the right to ignore them, criticize them with anger, abdicate their adult role of being good examples as well as showing them loving care. These qualities are due to any of our citizens, be they the youngest among us. They too carry a knapsack that, I hope, will fill up with self confidence and pride in what they can accomplish as they grow into adulthood.