I think the way in which I experience privilege is the fact that I’m a male and I come from a financially stable family. I don’t necessarily have to worry about whether or not I have money when I can always ask my parents for money. I feel like not many people have this privilege since most parents aren’t able to provide their kids with spare money. Also, many college students live or have to support themselves and have no financial help. As a male I guess people take me seriously and don’t question my motives whenever I’m working with people. Whereas if I were a female I would’ve come off as rude and many would question my intelligence and motive. I see this often where women are seen as bitchy or rude for being dominant. Whereas a male does the same thing and they’re seen as a leader.
I guess one way I experience oppression is the fact that I’m a gay Hispanic male. Although I’m a male I come from a Hispanic background. When I was younger some people would treat me differently as if I were incompetent simply because they saw I was Hispanic. In my opinion, I wouldn’t say being gay is entirely oppressive because we are more accepted than trans people or anyone part of the LGBT community. Gay people are represented in mainstream media. But I’m only talking about western culture. I’m not 100% sure but I’m pretty sure in eastern culture LGBT people aren’t as accepted or represented as they are in the west. I guess that’s a privilege, being gay and living in the United States or any part of the west. You’re less likely to fear for your life here.
After watching the video and doing the readings it has helped me define the concept and meaning of oppression and privilege. I have fully defined what it means to be privileged. I feel like a lot of things can fall under oppression. Some things we can’t change like our sex. Male automatically have privilege from the day they’re born whereas females don’t.
Hi Nicolas!
I really enjoyed reading your response, I agree that it is almost “safe” for LGBTQ people living in the US but there are so many places in America that are really not willing to accept things like same-sex marriage and same-sex couples conceiving a child. I also think as Bell Hooks said from one of our first readings was to start anew, and start the movement over again; with men like you who have a good understanding of the trials and tribulations women go through, it’s one step closer to creating real change.
Nicholas,
Yes! Thank you for at least acknowledging that you feel the difference when a female acts the same as a male yet is considered negatively compared to the male latter. It crazy that being gay in the western part of the world at least is even seen as a privilege when it is a right that should be experienced freely anywhere. Still, this progress is positive for us because it allows you and others gay individuals in feeling safe to be yourselves which is how it should be for everyone. Also, Olivia is so right about that bell hook’s reference.
Hi Nicholas,
I love that you are clearly know your privileges as a male and admits it. on the other hand, I believe that your gay identity helps you understand minority or women’s situation much better.
I am also glad that you pointed out that in LGBTQ community, trans people do suffer a lot even in the LGBTQ community. How people’s sexuality choices can lead them to different positions in the world? Sexual preferences are personal to me but in most societies, they take personal stuffs become public especially when they want to see everyone follow the same way.