Week 2: Humanity and Privilege

When I first read McIntosh and Tatum two years ago, it gave me a completely new perspective on privilege. After reading it again, I realize how much more I think about privilege in my daily life. In some ways I benefit from privilege and in other ways I do not. As a Catholic, I know that wherever I go, I will be able to find a place of worship.  For example, there are two Catholic churches within walking distance of where I live.  I feel extremely fortunate that I am able to practice my religion in this way, but at the same time I recognize that not all religions have this privilege. As a woman, I can expect to have a lower salary than my male counterparts. I aspire to be a psychiatric nurse and even though this is a field of mostly women, wages are still lower.

            I have always approached all of my endeavors (whether it be in school, leadership positions, or traveling) with the idea that everybody has a different experience. This has helped me to remember that I should appreciate my journey as unique as opposed to expecting it to be like anyone else’s. After doing the “Is Race Real Activity”, the part that struck me the most was how human subspecies don’t exist.  Just as everyone has a different journey, each person has a certain uniqueness to them. Despite this, everyone is the part of the same human race. It is not easy, but it is extremely important to appreciate other people’s differences while at the same time understanding that we all share the principle of humanity.