Privilege is Not a Dirty Word

As a diversity professional and a teacher, uncomfortable conversations are part of my job. Every day is a new opportunity to explore the words and topics that make people feel awkward, to think about why that discomfort exists, and to lead the teams I’m working with toward more inclusive language and actions. We talk about racism, disability, unconscious bias, microaggressions, and exclusion. We talk about prejudice and otherness and identity. That is such vulnerable and emotional work. But I’ll tell you, privilege is the one word and topic that always elicits a strong allergic reaction.

For most people, privilege is a dirty word. It carries a stigma that feels shameful and heavy. People who align themselves with privilege — who feel that they have it — often feel guilty and embarrassed of what they have. People who don’t align with privilege usually feel embarrassed too: ashamed of the advantages they did not have. It’s easy to believe there are only two sides, but as someone who has led thousands of people through Privilege Walks, I promise you that’s just not true.