“How do you see yourself leaning into your new found privilege?” I recently asked a newly minted leader of an organization. A perplexed look came across their face and it was clear to me they had not reflected on some of the deeper implications of their new position.
I have been in multiple conversations in a wide variety of contexts about the topic of privilege. There are those who believe they have experienced challenges due to others’ use of their privilege and those who believe the whole concept of privilege has been ‘weaponized’. There are those who are quite unaware of their privilege and others who have fully used their privilege for the betterment of others.
What I have come to learn is that there are three critical components to navigating privilege:
• What is my understanding of privilege?
• What is my privilege?
• What am I doing with my privilege?
First, what do I understand to be privilege? Once we’re clear on that, it’s critical to do an in depth reflection to obtain a comprehensive understanding of our particular privilege. And then with that increased awareness to reflect on how we are in fact presently using our specific privilege.
One of my wisest sages once said to me, “Our privilege is our gift. And like all gifts we must decide if we are going to hoard them or share them.” A couple of other quotes which articulate this same sentiment are, “From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.” – Luke 12:48. Another is, “With great power comes great responsibility.” — Stan Lee (popularized via Spider-Man).
It is unequivocally clear, even though often unaware, that there are innumerable situations in which an individual possesses advantages, resources or opportunities. The deep work of self awareness about this privilege is critical. And with that awareness we are to move to action about how we can use our privilege in service to others.
“If you’ve been given privilege, you’ve been given a tool. And God didn’t give you a tool to keep; God gave it to you to build the Kingdom.” – Presiding Bishop Michael Curry
BP