that privilege meme
31 Dec 2007 12:19 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
firecatSwiped from everybody
Acknowledgment to http://quakerclass.blogspot.com/2007/11/what-privilege-do-you-have.html. The list is based on an exercise developed by Will Barratt, Meagan Cahill, Angie Carlen, Minnette Huck, Drew Lurker, Stacy Ploskonka at Illinois State University.
You know, for me it will be more efficient just to include the items that didn't apply and/or have complicated answers.
* Had more than 500 books in your childhood home
Technically speaking, possibly not—mom was big on getting rid of stuff we weren't using. But I had access to all the books I wanted.
* The people in the media who dress and talk like me are portrayed positively
Insofar as I am white, yes. Insofar as I was/am fat and a geeky dresser, no. And I might argue that women and girls in general were not portrayed positively in the media in the 60s and 70s.
* Had a credit card with your name on it before you turned 18
This trend must have come along after my time. None of my peers did, as far as I know.
* Your parents (or a trust) paid for all of your college costs
I worked in the summers and that paid for a little bit.
* Had a private tutor before you turned 18
I wonder if these came along after my time, too. I mean, I know they existed before, but they seem more common now.
* Your clothing was all bought new before you turned 18
The clothing my mother bought me was bought new. I bought some of my own clothing at thrift stores, but that was my choice, not a necessity.
* Your parents bought you a car that was not a hand-me-down from them
I got hand-me-down cars, but my dad worked at GM and was required to buy a GM car every year. So the hand-me-down cars I had were almost new.
* Had a phone in your room before you turned 18
Parents didn't approve of the idea, I guess. Actually, despite all the time I spent on the phone just like most teenagers, I think it never even occurred to me that I might want a phone in my room.
* Participated in an SAT/ACT prep course
After my time?
* Had your own TV in your room in High School
See the bit about the phone in my room.
I guess I shouldn't be surprised at how many people I see responding with dismay that they score as "highly privileged" on this test, as if that meant there was something wrong with them. It doesn't mean there is something wrong with you. It just means you were given some of your opportunities and resources, and didn't start from zero. It's important to be aware of that.
Acknowledgment to http://quakerclass.blogspot.com/2007/11/what-privilege-do-you-have.html. The list is based on an exercise developed by Will Barratt, Meagan Cahill, Angie Carlen, Minnette Huck, Drew Lurker, Stacy Ploskonka at Illinois State University.
You know, for me it will be more efficient just to include the items that didn't apply and/or have complicated answers.
* Had more than 500 books in your childhood home
Technically speaking, possibly not—mom was big on getting rid of stuff we weren't using. But I had access to all the books I wanted.
* The people in the media who dress and talk like me are portrayed positively
Insofar as I am white, yes. Insofar as I was/am fat and a geeky dresser, no. And I might argue that women and girls in general were not portrayed positively in the media in the 60s and 70s.
* Had a credit card with your name on it before you turned 18
This trend must have come along after my time. None of my peers did, as far as I know.
* Your parents (or a trust) paid for all of your college costs
I worked in the summers and that paid for a little bit.
* Had a private tutor before you turned 18
I wonder if these came along after my time, too. I mean, I know they existed before, but they seem more common now.
* Your clothing was all bought new before you turned 18
The clothing my mother bought me was bought new. I bought some of my own clothing at thrift stores, but that was my choice, not a necessity.
* Your parents bought you a car that was not a hand-me-down from them
I got hand-me-down cars, but my dad worked at GM and was required to buy a GM car every year. So the hand-me-down cars I had were almost new.
* Had a phone in your room before you turned 18
Parents didn't approve of the idea, I guess. Actually, despite all the time I spent on the phone just like most teenagers, I think it never even occurred to me that I might want a phone in my room.
* Participated in an SAT/ACT prep course
After my time?
* Had your own TV in your room in High School
See the bit about the phone in my room.
I guess I shouldn't be surprised at how many people I see responding with dismay that they score as "highly privileged" on this test, as if that meant there was something wrong with them. It doesn't mean there is something wrong with you. It just means you were given some of your opportunities and resources, and didn't start from zero. It's important to be aware of that.
If we're talking mainly financial privilege, the list is endless!
Date: 1 Jan 2008 12:16 am (UTC)The accent I acquired from living in the place I did gives me job interview advantages
My inherited intelligence was nurtured by my parent(s)
My interests or talents were encouraged by my parent(s)
I always had a warm winter coat
I had properly fitted quality shoes while my feet were growing
I had my own bed
The person who prepared most of the meals was well-informed about nutrition so most of the meals I ate were well-balanced
I was given responsibilities appropriate to my age and abilities
My family had a guest bed for overnight visitors (not a sofa, though a sofabed would count) so I got to stay in my own bed
My family had a spare bedroom for overnight visitors so everyone got to sleep undisturbed
I had access to medical care when ill, and dental healthcare (not cosmetic care) throughout childhood (whether or not I used it)
I had access to cosmetic dental care (whether or not I used it)
My family were never wholly dependent on state support (welfare?)
My family were never partially dependent on state support (welfare?)
Most of my books, toys, etc were new
I spent all of the money from my teenage jobs on myself
I always knew that there would be enough to eat
I always knew that there would be a home to sleep in (even if it was with abusive family)
Re: If we're talking mainly financial privilege, the list is endless!
Date: 1 Jan 2008 05:23 am (UTC)Re: If we're talking mainly financial privilege, the list is endless!
Date: 1 Jan 2008 01:37 pm (UTC)Re: If we're talking mainly financial privilege, the list is endless!
Date: 2 Jan 2008 08:25 pm (UTC)Your parents bought you a car that was not a hand-me-down from them
Asking that without already asking whether your parents could even afford to own a car? Let alone more than one!
My family ran two cars when I was a kid, but one of them was always a company car.