How We Define Privilege Defines Us
Let’s be careful and make sure we know what it actually means
What Does Privilege Mean?
Privilege is a contentious word. We hear it being thrown around all the time, white privilege, thin privilege, male privilege, attractive privilege, neurotypical privilege. The thing is, the meaning is embedded pretty deeply in a lot of us, and using it like that doesn’t work very well.
From Miriam-Webster:
privilege
priv·i·lege | \ ˈpriv-lij , ˈpri-və- \
Definition of privilege
(Entry 1 of 2)
: a right or immunity granted as a peculiar benefit, advantage, or favor : PREROGATIVEespecially : such a right or immunity attached specifically to a position or an office
It is often implied that privilege is not only something that you have, but it is something that can be taken away, that has to be earned. Driving is a privilege, not a right… that’s a common phrase when people talk about how they can take it away from you.
