On White Privilege

I've been thinking about privilege today.

I remember two friends getting mad because they felt vilified by the concept of white privilege. By the way, I understood their position and I know them both very well (their hearts) - it's like inheriting a title or position you didn't ask for or identify with.

BUT

I gave this as my example of privilege and how it works on a day to day basis.

(Forget my race here - follow my examples)

I can book a flight ticket or a train ride without worrying about whether I will fit in the seat or inconvenience those seated on either side of me because the seats are built for people my size (or smaller) and my average height.

I can climb 5 flights of stairs to a swanky restaurant in an old heritage building (without an elevator because the owner wants to keep an "authentic" feel) without feeling claustrophobic or like I got hit in the chest by a truck because I'm fit and I also don't have a respiratory illness.

I can order anything from a menu and eat it within an average time frame without worrying whether I will have any accidents or what I appear like to those around me (I'm specifically thinking of a young man I met with MS who faces choking hazards with conventional food due to an inability to swallow.)

I don't have to think about these things. They never cross my mind as I travel or visit restaurants I'm excited to try or order food. Because all these places and things were created for people like me. I'm covered under privilege.

Now, if someone complained about the plane seat, I am more likely to think, "Lose some weight" or "Buy more space" than I am to ask, "I wonder why planes would not be more representative of the different needs and sizes of everyday people without forcing people to pay a premium to be accommodated." - (not cost-effective)

If I heard someone complain about the flight of stairs, my first thought may be, "Go to a different restaurant" and not "Why wouldn't the owner want to make this amazing experience inclusive?" - (not in keeping with the plan and expensive to implement)

If I heard someone complain about the menu options and the need for tastier options in the soft foods section, I might think, "Go order your food somewhere else " or "Didn't you look up the menu online before showing up here?" - (inconveniencing and expensive)

Yet, for people in the three examples I mentioned, their experience involves daily micro-contemplation of the many small things that hinder them and conscious and sub-conscious planning on how to navigate their world and still make things happen.

Now maybe I wouldn't entertain any of the thoughts that I mentioned, but it would be foolish of me to ignore the realities that they face and that I could never understand because I don't possess the attributes that exclude them.

I can be aware that to one (in my example) raising a point, that would most likely be received as a complaint. Where I can positively use my privilege here is to make a case for them. I could ask the restaurant owner when they (inclusive pronoun) come over to ask how the meal was, why the amazing place does not have an elevator for those with mobility issues.

I could listen to the experiences relayed to me by those who face them and not attempt to judge them against my background/experience ("Are you sure the waiter rolled his eyes when you asked for more food options?") Better yet, I can refrain from attempting to show solidarity by inferring that I too face the same type of discrimination in one form or other (it's insulting).

So I didn't ask for this type of privilege but I do live in a world that focuses on making it as easy as possible for people like me to move with ease (again, let's stick to my examples and not look at my race). And I use this privilege every day because it is systematized and ingrained in everyday culture. It is impossible not to participate in it. I am it.

But again, what I can do is be aware of my privileged position and find ways to equalize as much as possible. This is inconveniencing and costs a premium in time, energy or money to create more inclusive spaces/opportunities.

I don't say this lightly. Not only as a black African born woman who is a contributing proud Canadian but that my business actively looks for people of different backgrounds and abilities to speak at my events, to participate or even work with. It IS inconveniencing but what good is my platform if I can't use it to contribute toward something I deeply care about.