The Problem with Privilege Theory

Ivan Radic, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

In the history of the Civil Rights Movement, the word “privilege” rarely occurs. In the 1960s, most of us believed the majority had rights, the rich had privileges, and minorities were oppressed. We wanted to end oppression and privilege so everyone could have equal rights. We saw privilege as special treatment for the lucky few, contest winners and rich people. This makes sense. The Latin roots of the word privilege mean “private…