What is Your Privilege?

Who would have thought that it would be so easy to learn so much about yourself and other people around you in only a week? I was definitely able to have this experience as I started my first week working with a non-profit organization.

Many of you may know that I have been wanting to go camping for quite some time now, and it's funny that I finally actually was able to do so with the organization. We had the opportunity to engage in a three-day trip to Wekiwa Springs State Park in Apopka, FL, just 20 minutes outside of Orlando ( If you ever get the chance, check it out; it is absolutely beautiful --other than the giant bugs LOL). Over the course of three days I had the opportunity to bond with my co-workers, participate in several team-building activities, and enjoy the beauty of nature. 

Courtesy of Tommey Liang

The session that was the most eye-opening was our discussion of privilege in our society. Privilege can be referred to as the opportunities and things that are given to you based on characteristics that you yourself had no control over (this could include skin color, texture of hair etc). The privilege that is often talked about in our society is that of "White Privilege". 
However, privilege can go beyond race or ethnicity. It can also be based on socioeconomic status, the environment in which a person grew up in, and/or a plethora of other circumstances.

As an African-American and as a woman, it would seem as though, according to society, I would not have as many privileges in comparison to other races or gender. However, in the session we were asked to think of anything in our own lives that could be considered as privilege but we may not think of in on a daily basis, and I realized that as myself, I am very privileged! I am privileged as a woman that I am not automatically expected to carry or move heavy objects (even though I'm superwoman lol). I always hate it for guys who are toothpicks who are expected to be able to lift heavy objects and struggle! LOL. I am also privileged that I grew up in a family that valued education and stressed the importance of it. Not everyone can say the same.

So today, I challenge you to think about the privileges you have in your own life (and share them with me!) Privileges are always made to be something negative but they can also be positive. Use your privilege to gain advancement and along the way, help someone else also rise up to the top!

A community is only at it's strongest when we realize everyone's weakness and lift each other up in strength!

Until next time,

Lisa

Courtesy of Tommey Liang