Privilege…Leaving The Baggage Behind & Navigating More Responsibly

For a large swath of us, the word “privilege” may immediately evoke imagery of a certain type of person, who looks and/or behaves in a certain type of way and probably lives a certain type of lifestyle in a certain type of neighborhood. This article won’t focus on that genre of exclusivity but it will touch on the archetypes that encompass some of those spaces. Beyond identifying types of privilege, I offer an alternative to coming to terms with our respective privileges and channeling them to responsibly and effectively inspire and empower others.

First, let’s frame the concept of privilege for this conversation. To provide some context for this article, I am referencing the Merriam-Webster definition of the word ‘privilege’ as a noun: a right, exemption, or immunity granted as a particular benefit, advantage, or favor. This may or may not be an epiphany moment for you, but we all have some level of privilege! No, most of us are not descended from royalty, have generational wealth or are recipients of a genetic or cognitive lottery, but more of us have at least one privilege that we are oblivious to, underestimate or are in denial about.

In my experience, I have most often identified four archetypes of privilege: Lineage Privilege (LP), Aesthetic Privilege (AP), Cognitive Privilege (CP), and Financial Privilege (FP). If you are blessed to have all four, I vehemently despise you and you must be cast into the most remote depths of Hades for all eternity unless you immediately transfer the privileges I lack to me and then you may exist in my universe of omnipotence! Was that a tad melodramatic? Did I just make theatrical privilege a thing???

Lineage Privilege has a myriad of baggage whether you’re the recipient or an observer. The recipient may experience feelings of guilt or unworthiness based on their perception and the perception often of others that they did not earn the recognition and benefits provided them largely if not exclusively due to family lineage or an established hierarchy that ensures generationally these benefits are structured to continue. In lieu of the negative baggage historically associated with lineage privileges, there is an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others locally, nationally or internationally. Most forms of privilege by default entail that the person has a captive audience or readily accessible platform that will grant them access or proximity to others. If that access or proximity has the potential to raise awareness and promote change, it’s worth trying. Lineage can be the venue to continue affirming narratives or the catalyst to reimagine and redefine what issues and causes you value and wish to advocate for.

Aesthetic Privilege in our often disproportionately visual-centric society has the potential to usurp all other forms of privilege. Also known as pretty privilege, this archetype can exist exclusively on its own while being highly coveted by its archetypical counterparts. The visual resonance and impact of aesthetic privilege can compromise the judgement of the cognitively privileged and give the financially privileged ample opportunity to spend handsomely in pursuit of it. Aesthetic privilege and financial privilege can be largely codependent and derive momentum from each other. Social media is inundated with shortcuts and a plethora of ideas on how to acquire/maintain youth, vibrance and vitality regardless of your age. Studies have confirmed that even babies are influenced by aesthetics. Enjoying this level of privilege may be the initial introduction that gets you noticed but usually it can only carry you so far if there are no other factors to sustain one’s relevance and longevity. There is also the possibility of one not being taken seriously as the cosmetic allure may inadvertently undermine other traits that are just as noteworthy if given the opportunity to shine. One can be physically captivating by conventional standards but also possess an acumen for the arts, sciences, and humanities.

Financial Privilege – freedom to navigate, invest, influence, fund and inspire. Besides aesthetic privilege, financial privilege has the gravitas to open multiple doors and gain access to all other archetypes. Those who navigate in the FP universe may have the greatest opportunity of all to facilitate change, which is primarily contingent on fiduciary resolution. Whatever your hierarchy in this coterie, you probably possess the wherewithal to make a difference in the lives of one or many. Lineage privilege and financial privilege used to be the frequent intersecting points, but upward mobility has increasingly expanded this field and empowered multiple parties to fund causes that may have historically not been first or secondary choices. This category has also become increasingly diverse across gender and ethnic backgrounds, and inspiring new generations to achieve this level of privilege effectively challenges the historically buttressed perceptions of those who once predominately represented this now changing genre.

Cognitive Privilege has the potential to create a myriad of new pathways that may have once been viewed as science fiction. At its apex, CP holds the keys to not only solving existing challenges but also proactively troubleshooting before complications arise. Thinkers, innovators, visionaries and inventors can solely or collaboratively improve our day-to-day lives and potentially change the course of history. CP can arise from even the most modest of financial or educational backgrounds. Some appear to be born with it; others demonstrate it over time and some develop it out of necessity or hardship. However you possess this trait, it can have an impact on your immediate surroundings as well as helping to shape what is yet to come. A passing thought may be the kernel that ultimately results in a new source of energy or attainment of that once-believed-impossible panacea to end disease. Lofty concepts? Maybe? Maybe not? 4 decades ago, the concept of a handheld device that takes the place of seven other devices was beyond our comprehension and is now affordable, seen as a staple necessity and comes in 11 colors. Who among us is already honing the technology or concept that propels us into the 23rd century or unlocks 100% of our cerebral capabilities?

Yes, there are multiple types of privilege not covered here yet, but I hope some of those highlighted here resonate with you and give you pause to think how your privilege can be less of a whisper and more of a resource to not only make a tangible difference in the lives of others but also realize that privilege no longer has to be a source of guilt or secrecy. Regardless of your privilege, consider reimagining it to navigate more intently and responsibly in the world we all share. If you can open a door, do so. If you can comfortably provide resources where they can make a difference, what’s the reticence? If you can be an advocate, ally, or friend to someone, why hesitate? If you have the gift of influence, why not channel that energy into empowering, inspiring and elevating the talents of others? We may not have all the answers but thought-provoking questions can guide us along the way. What role(s) will you play in using your privilege?