PrivilegePlease do the following IN ORDER to get the most from this material.
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Privilege is typically defined as a special right, advantage, or immunity granted or available only to a particular person or group of people. We see privileges in all sorts of ways in our everyday lives. As Ms. Eliza Kat wrote,
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My brother is taller me and was always able to reach materials on the upper shelf in the kitchen; whereas I could not without a stool. He was privileged, with his height, in this scenario. I needed assistance to achieve the same outcome that he could complete without thinking. On the flip side he banged his head a lot on door posts. I have never banged my head on door posts. My height privileged me, in this instance. A lot of what we see with privilege depends on the context.
Privilege is a concept that is easier to see from an "outsiders" perspective. The person who does not experience the privilege can more easily observe those who have privilege. Most of us have some level of privilege. For example, access to education. You are enrolled in a public college, which is very affordable and is located in your area. You are privileged to have access to education. Not all communities have a nearby public community college. |
READ . . .To understand the concept of privilege further, in our everyday lives I want you all to read Peggy McIntosh's article, "Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack." This journal article began the larger national conversation and modern day understanding of cultural privileges in the United States that can be observed on a daily basis. Please note that this article was written in the 1980s and some stuff has changed since then. I am having you read this article because it is the first major publication to begin the discussion on privilege. However, some of the items on her list at the end of the paper are still true to this day. You can find the article on the right as well as on your Canvas page.
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Watch . . . BEFORE taking the QuizPlease watch this 6 minute film PRIOR to taking the Quiz. Expect that I will ask you questions about this film in class.
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Take the Quiz . . .
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Don't worry this quiz is NOT graded.
This quiz is designed to give you a snapshot into the different privileges that can be experienced in the United States. Please print out the quiz found to your right. This quiz has 100 questions, answer honestly, to get accurate results. I want the quiz to teach you the privilege is beyond racially based privileges. We tend to focus on white and male privilege and do not pay enough attention to other privileges. A white male is not automatically 100% privileged because they may experience disadvantages being poor, disabled, and/or etc... The quiz does a great job placing privileges within a larger context that is easier for us to grasp. Religion, sexual orientation, wealth, gender, race, mental capability, physical capability, and so much more affect our experiences of achievement. Write down your score. You will need it when you write the answers for the Web Unit's prompts. |
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Answer & Submit through Canvas:
You will need to read Peggy McIntosh's article, watch the short film, and take the Quiz first, to respond comprehensively. Remember to type each prompt before your answer and answer each prompt fully.
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1. What did you score on the "How privileged are you quiz?"
2. How is this score reflective of your own experiences with privileges and disadvantages that you experience? 3. What is the "invisible knapsack" that Peggy McIntosh references? 4. How many of her "daily effects of white privilege" have you witnessed? Are there any other effects of white privilege that you would add to the list? Please share your thoughts. |
