Many of us believe that we’re living in a meritocracy, deserving of what we have and compassionate toward those with less. But that’s not true: white people have been given a headstart and ongoing advantages due to the color of their skin, while people of color suffer from equally arbitrary disadvantages, says scholar and activist Peggy McIntosh. She explains what led her to recognize her privilege — and how it can be used by those with power to ensure a fairer life for others.

  • Candelestine@lemmy.world
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    11 months ago

    Many people have a knee-jerk reaction to words like this. Try to remember they’re just words, they have meanings, and those meanings are a thing that people just want to talk about.

    These words should not be censored either.

    • Thranduil@lemmy.world
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      11 months ago

      I agree. Freedom of speech means allowing words even if yoh dont like them and discussion is important in general it is a way for us to grow

      • roastedDeflator@kbin.socialOP
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        11 months ago

        Freedom of speech is different from country to country, and it tends to have some limitations that are regulated through constitution and/or laws. From the top of my head I remember this example that you can’t scream Fire in a theatre, threaten people, tell lies about them. I mean you can, but you may also get sued for it, and get convicted.

        Anyways, not too sure how censorship and freedom of speech snuk in a conversation on privilege?

    • roastedDeflator@kbin.socialOP
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      11 months ago

      To my understanding, meritocracy is a tricky notion. It also implies that if you are dispossessed, you are to be blamed, and systemic injustices are to be left alone.