Social Justice: Privilege and Change

• It is impossible to avoid being part of the problem, one must also strive to be part of the solution

Varying Perspectives

• "We" is not a homogeneous group, but defined by intersections of gender, race, sexual orientation, disability status, and social class, among other things
• Social characteristics determine one's location in relation to privilege, power, vulnerability, and risk
• Differences in location lead to differences in worldviews and resources
• Consider how shifting perspectives can change how a question is heard and understood in relation to one's own identity
• Dominant groups may seek to alleviate their guilt about privilege, especially men and whites who can insulate from the consequences of gender and race

Working for Change

• Working for change can be daunting due to the longevity and pervasiveness of systems of privilege
• It is easy to feel overwhelmed and defeated, or to fear failure, judgment, or negative consequences
• Many feel compelled to make a difference, leading to the question of how to effect change

Debunking Myths

• It's important to understand how the world works and how we participate to make it happen, this is the first step to change
• Change involves debunking myths about how change happens

The Myth That It's Always Been This Way, and Always Will

• Studying history reveals that privilege is not timeless or permanent
• White privilege has existed for centuries, while male privilege has existed for approximately seven thousand years
• The earth has been populated by humans for hundreds of thousands of years
• History shows that collective action can lead to change, so nothing is fixed

Making Change

• Change can be made by choosing paths of greater resistance
• This can include men choosing not to seek control or intervening, and women refusing subordination
• Systems are only as stable as the flow of human choice, consent, resistance, and create permanence
• Oppressive systems limit lives and imaginations, making it difficult to envision alternatives

Illusion of Permanence

• The illusion of permanence conceals the inevitability of social change
• Feminist thought and action have challenged male dominance and violence in recent centuries
• Intense male resistance, backlash, and defensiveness are fueled by the perception that patriarchy has become vulnerable
• Male resentment toward women is pervasive, encompassing fear of accusations and opposition to affirmative action

Impermanence of Privilege

• No system, including privilege, lasts forever, it is in constant flux with the ability to influence its transformation

The Myth of No Effect

• Acting for change is often hindered by the belief that one's actions won't make a difference against a powerful system
• This complaint is valid when considering society as a whole and in the short run, but it can lead to inaction
• To overcome paralysis, one must shift perspective and consider their role in a long-term, complex process of change

Time Constancy

• Changes like same-sex marriage or the election of a minority president can happen quickly
• Larger systems of privilege take longer to change, requiring a different standard of measurement than a human lifespan
• "Time constancy" requires staying committed to change even when immediate results aren't visible
• It is vitally important that one does what they think is right anyway

The Long View

• Questioning existing structures can lead to unforeseen outcomes that require movement and new perspectives

Power in Transformation

• The myth of no effect obscures an individual's role in the long-term transformation of society and their power in relation to others
• Denying one's power can be a way of avoiding using it

Acknowledging Power

• Reluctance to acknowledge and use power arises in various situations, such as hiring decisions
• Someone may say "it's not a good fit" to a minority, creating a critical decision point
• Silence contributes to the normalcy of privilege, but even one person can challenge it

The Ripple Effect

• The power to affect others extends beyond causing discomfort
• Choosing a different path encourages others to question their own choices and beliefs
• Shifting the odds in ways that contradict core values on which systems of privilege depend is effective

Systemic Change

• It's not necessary to change people's minds in order to effective
• Tipping scales towards new organizations of social life that do not revolve around privilege and oppression is effective
• Choices direct "the stubborn ounces" of one's weight towards a movement for something better

Key Actions

• No easy answers or instructions exist for what one can do, the only way out is through confronting the issues
• To end oppression, one must not ignore its existence
• Change is brought about through those who work for change by drawing attention to privilege and oppression

What Can You Do?

• By marking differences and treating subordinate group members as other, members of dominant groups are divisive
• Highlighting how difference is used as a basis for privilege leads to accusations of divisiveness
• Challenging the status quo promotes awareness of existing divisions

Actions for Change

• Acknowledge That Privilege and Oppression Exist: recognize that every system of privilege exists
• Pay Attention: understand how privilege and oppression operate and how you participate in it
• Learn to Listen: be attentive and resist the pull to defend and deny the impact of privilege
• Little Risks: Do Something: take on small acts of change everywhere to promote change

Exploring the complexities of privilege and working towards social change. Understanding how diverse perspectives, shaped by gender, race, and class, impact our roles in addressing inequality. Encouragement to act for change despite challenges.