Understanding Privilege Privilege is a key element in perpetuating oppressive systems. According to Webster’s Dictionary, privilege is “a right, favor, or immunity, granted to one individual or group and withheld from another.” This homework assignment examines the privileges we hold. Instructions Read each of the privilege statements. If you identify with the statement and feel that it is true, do nothing. If you do not identify with the statement or feel like it is not true, draw one mark signifying that you do not identify with that privilege. There will be a brief large group debrief during homework review. Privilege statements 1. The leader of my country is also a person of my racial group. (RACE) 2. When going shopping, I can easily find clothes that fit my size and shape. (SIZE) 3. In public, I can kiss and hold hands with the person I am dating without fear of name-calling or violence. (SEXUALITY) 4. When I go shopping, I can be fairly certain that sales or security people will not follow me. (RACE/APPEARANCE) 5. Most of the religious and cultural holidays celebrated by my family are recognized with days off from work or school. (RELIGION/CULTURE) 6. When someone is trying to describe me, they do not mention my race. (RACE) 7. When I am angry or emotional, people do not dismiss my opinions as symptoms of “that time of the month.” (GENDER) 8. When expressing my opinion, I am not automatically assumed to be a spokesperson of my race. (RACE) 9. I can easily buy greeting cards that represent my relationship with my significant other. (SEXUALITY) 10. I can easily find hair products and people who know how to style my hair. (RACE) 11. In my family, it is seen as normal to obtain a college degree. (CLASS) 12. If I am going out to dinner with friends, I do not worry if the building will be accessible to me. (ABILITY) 13. I can be certain that when I attend an event, there will be people of my race there. (RACE) 14. People do not make assumptions about my work ethic or intelligence based upon the size of my body. (SIZE) 15. When I strongly state my opinion, people see it as assertive rather than aggressive. (RACE/GENDER)
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