Sanyukta Bafna

Abstract:

Chapter 35: PRIVILEGE
Read, Reflect, Resist: Deconstructing Privilege

Privilege is a complex socio-political structure that affords special rights and advantages to certain groups of people. It is constantly evolving and shifting depending on one’s identity and location. Historically, certain groups have enjoyed more privilege based on societal definitions of normativity. These privileges have often been misused to discriminate against certain communities that do not fit the predefined molds of society’s normativity. While privilege can be problematic, it gives people power that can be used for good. Reading literature written by marginalized voices to understand their perspective, reflecting on an ongoing basis about your interactions and language, and resisting dominant narratives are three ways people with privilege can become more socially aware and use their power positively.