Gated Communities

Privilege is being able to drive or walk through a gated community and have the residents assume that I live there, that I am visiting a friend, or that I am in the market for a home - not that I am "up to no good."

Ignoring History

Privilege is being able to claim that racism is behind us and that skin color can now be ignored. Privilege is thinking that the Civil Rights Movement set everything straight.  Privilege is believing that the election of a black man as president means we can ignore the decades of improper treatment to minorities in America.  Privilege is not seeing how the race of our black president handicaps him from being able to talk about race.

History

Privilege is standing on the shoulders of generations of property owners and college graduates and claiming that I got where I am from my own hard work. 

the Benefit of the Doubt

Privilege is being given the benefit of the doubt in a scenario that is open to interpretation.

A "Traditional" Family

Privilege is growing up in a home with married biological parents of opposite genders, neither of which was ever in prison. Privilege is having a mother who does not have to work and is able to devote her time to taking care of her children's needs and ensure their success. 

Ignoring Signage

Privilege is being able to walk around a pond with a sign reading "This area is intended for property owners only. All others will..." and no one calls the cops, people smile at me and say "hello!"  Privilege is not realizing that if my skin were a different shade I may not be received the same way and that the property owners would be justified in having me removed. This sign reminds me of an older sign that was very common in our country just a few generations ago. 

Policing Strategies

Privilege is never being asked by police where I am going or what I am doing when I am walking down the street. Privilege is never even being suspected or questioned by police.