I'm Confronting My Privilege & You Should Too
Privilege is a tough thing to fully understand - it often feels slippery to pin down because of its complexity and yet, understanding it is key to understanding ourselves. Privilege impacts how we view the world, how others view us and what we are and are not able to do. As a money coach I am confronted with my own privilege and the privilege (or lack thereof) of my clients on a daily basis and, although confronting it is at times uncomfortable, I am grateful for the experience.
WHY SHOULD I DO THIS?
I believe that understanding my own privilege is important - not only for my own self improvement, but because it will help me better understand and change the world around me. And, I don’t know about you, but changing the world feels pretty darn important to me right now.
That reason may resonate with you too, but if it doesn’t here are a few more reasons that might feel more relevant:
Improve your Emotional Intelligence
Practice Gratitude
Figure out how to use your privilege to help others
Gain insight into your interactions with others
Become better connected with yourself
Fight injustice
Discover new ways to equalize (or at least improve) power dynamics
STEP 1: PRIVILEGE BRAINSTORM
This week, I’d like to urge you to start (or continue!) this tough conversation with yourself. Pull out a journal, the notes app on your phone or scrap of paper and start by brainstorming all of the ways that you are privileged.
MY PERSONAL PRIVILEGE BRAINSTORM:
I am white.
I am thin.
I am able bodied.
I am conventionally good looking.
I was raised in an upper-middle class neighborhood.
I went to public school at one of the best schools in the country (or at least it was when I was there).
I went to private university and grad school.
I have no student loans and never did because my parents paid for school (undergrad I knew was going to be paid for, grad school became something they decided to pay for after my mom died).
Although I do not have monetary support from my family, the fact that I’ve had it in the past means I have fewer debts now and therefore am more easily able to make “risky” decisions (i.e. become an entrepreneur).
I know that if shit really hit the fan, my in-laws wouldn’t let us become homeless.
STEP 2: CONNECT IT TO YOUR DAY-TO-DAY LIFE
Look back at that brainstorm and pick one or two things to dive deeper into. As you go through your day jot down ways in which you see that particular privilege manifesting in your life. It might be something obvious (seeing a police officer doesn’t put me on edge) or it might be more subtle (I have the money to pay for a monthly yoga subscription because I don’t have to pay back student loans). The practice might feel difficult at first - and that’s okay! The more you think about it and the more you engage with this topic, the easier it will be for you to connect with your privilege.
This is just the start of a much bigger conversation that I will be sharing with you. I know it isn’t easy or fun, but I also know how important it is for understanding our own personal money philosophies and goals. And figuring out your money philosophy and goals? That part is really fun!
As always, if you have questions, let me know! You can email at caroline@verdiadvising.com or set up a time to chat with me here.