Privilege
“Privilege.” It’s one of those power words that is often thrown around by those … in power. Not outright, because no one comfortably admits to being privileged, much like very few are comfortable in admitting their racist tendencies. As much as our culture has shamed both, we can all agree they both exist … big time.
A recent Twitter quote circulating around the Internet this week simply states: “If nothing that has happened in the last week has impacted you or your loved ones adversely, please examine what a privilege that is.”
I read it over and over. Knowing how deep and insidious and blinding privilege is — the Tweeter has made a huge point, calmly and appropriately. But, his words were like a slap in my face.
Because, yes, although I keep up with the news and feel emotional outrage most every day, preparing for the revolution that is literally on my doorstep (I live in Capitol Hill), it still is not personal outrage. I would describe the outrage more because it affects of the collective conscious that is “America.”
None of my family are detained in airports; None of my closest friends are Muslim. The bans our new president has put in place leaves me scared for the humanity of our country — but from a very privileged position, not my own humanity.
This is important to recognize and know. The blinding effects of un-reconciled privilege are dangerous and spiteful, and perhaps at the heart of the divide in our country today.
It’s no longer a Republican and Democrat divide; it is a divide over the ability to stand in another’s shoes.
Ubuntu is a phrase coined by Archbishop Desmond Tutu meaning “I am because we are,” and it seems to be the best thing I can say right now. Ubuntu, people, UBUNTU.
Stephanie Holcombe
Washington, D.C.
The Dispatch Editorial Board is made up of publisher Peter Imes, columnist Slim Smith, managing editor Zack Plair and senior newsroom staff.
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