Mary Anne Quizon
“The paradox of privilege is that it shields us from fully experiencing or acknowledging inequality, even while giving us more power to do something about it.” (Darren Walker)
Why do privilege shield us from fully experiencing or acknowledging inequality? We have the power to do something about it , yet we don’t. Could it be that we are ignorant of the inequality or injustice being perpetrated around us? Will we be grateful to be informed of this injustice so we could do something about it?
Or could it be because of the fear of hurting another privileged one or an alliance or acquaintance who thrives on injustice and inequality? Do we think that it could affect our popularity or diminish our votes in the next election? I believe it could neither diminish popularity nor votes. Rather, disclosing injustice will propel one to the top.
We forget the fact that people hankering and harbouring injustice ally themselves with the powerful and privileged, so feeling protected by their alliance, they can commit more injustice and further their goals. Should we sit on our hands and do nothing while we see injustice being committed? Closing our eyes on inequality and injustice equates the act of the unjust. Protecting injustice is Committing injustice ourselves. Harbouring inequality is trampling on the oppressed and furthering the goals of the unjust.
With the power of privilege, the privileged are gifted with acquaintances and friends who are equally privileged and people who seek to gain alliance with the privileged.
Yet sometimes we become ignorant of the circumstances of the unprivileged and the probable lack and want the unprivileged have. More so, the burdens imposed upon them by some in society.
As Darren Walker said in his article “Ignorance is the enemy within” on the power of our privilege and the privilege of our power”
The sit of power lies on the governing bodies who have the privilege to distribute the best fruits of the City .
Should we classify the privileged as the governing power in the city and the few “have all” who by dint of circumstances have allied themselves with the privileged?
We laud our governing body who have worked hard in their effort to satisfy the needs of the poor, the needy, the disabled and oppressed. We laud the educational programs for the marginalized members of the community the poor and the needy and many others who have been attracted by the benefits that the City has to offer. We also laud the social programs for the community that bring the community together in most of these activities.
We however can’t help but notice Some, who by reason of proximity or association have gained alliance with the privileged. They have masked injustice lending only deaf ears to pleas of curing inequality.
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