Privilege

Dealing with the concept of privilege places the concept of a "normal" life in a tenuous position. Having to delegitimize my entire, familiar comfort zone in light of the realization that it is full of invisible privilege is unnerving. Aren't I a nice person? Don't I care about other people? Sure, as long as I have unquestioned access to education, safe housing in safe neighborhoods, respect from retail clerks, and a myriad of other "invisible" advantages. I would never expect to be put on the spot because my mode of speech was "unacceptable" or "non-standard."

However being a female of Jewish descent, I do have some significant experience with the hegemony promoted by some people of other religions. Growing up in an era in which it was still legal to sing Christmas carols, have Christmas pageants, and go on Christmas vacation, I was socialized into understanding that that was the way that "everyone else" believed, and that Jews just had different beliefs. So, being different was normal. I didn't know what it would feel like to go to school and be part of the "regular" people. However, either because of the egalitarian outlook that seems to be a big part of Jewish culture, or just not finding anything wrong with it, I never took offense at the Christmas celebrations, and actually enjoyed singing the songs and participating in the programs. There was always a token Hannukah song thrown in, anyway. Even so, I grew up hearing that I was "bad" for being a Jew just enough times from a very few "stupid" people to instill in me a deep sense of not being OK and a desire to hide.

Having become a Christian in my early 20s, I can see the use of religious privilege from an interesting perspective. I get very impatient with and irritated at Christian commentators who think that the entire country should be run based on conservative Christian principles that are not necessarily in keeping with others' points of view. Although I understand how their understanding of doctrine drives their opinions, I get angry at their narrow view of what should be considered politically correct. I guess my early experiences are what contribute to my basic attitude of siding with the underdog and understanding the disenfranchisement many minority people feel.