"Privilege"

Over the past few years the discussion about the concept of “privilege” has intensified and is hotly debated in various contexts, including social, political and economic spheres. “Privilege", in these contexts, usually refers to the concept of advantages, benefits, or access to resources that are available to certain individuals or groups simply because of their identity, background, or social status.

Advocates for understanding privilege emphasize the importance of recognizing one's own privilege as a way to promote empathy and social justice; saying that these advantages are often invisible to those who possess them, as they are considered the norm in society. Critics see the focus on privilege leading to unfair guilt and defensiveness among those who are deemed privileged. Many believe that arguments about privilege tend to focus on group-based attributes rather than individual experiences and oversimplify complex societal issues.

At this meetup, we will discuss this complex topic and explore questions such as:

1. What do you think about when you think about “privilege”?
2. Do you see yourself as an advocate or a critic of focusing on privilege?
3. What do you see as the purpose of discussions of privilege?
4. Do you think there are ways in which you are privileged? Have you personally experienced or noticed any access or benefits to you due to these privileges?
5. Do you think there are ways in which you have been disadvantaged? Have you personally experienced or noticed any barriers or challenges to you due to these disadvantages?

Join the Crossing Party Lines discussion and have a voice in our nation’s conversation! People of all views are welcomed, appreciated, and heard.

Please plan to arrive at the beginning of the meetup for Meet & Greet before we sit down for conversation.

Suggested Reading:

• Wheel of Power/Privilege
• Against the Privilege Walk
• The fallacy of white privilege — and how it’s corroding society

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