Description:
The privilege checklist is an activity you can use with students to begin unpacking privilege. The checklist was developed to promote individual critical reflection rather than exercises like the outdated privilege walk that puts the burden of the learning experience on individuals who are marginalized to foster awareness for those who are not.
The checklist is not comprehensive and can be used as a cursory introduction to understanding how privilege and oppression are inextricably linked. To truly understand how privilege and oppression operate, we must consider the systems, norms, and practices that privilege some while oppressing and/or marginalizing others.
Some questions for reflection to pair with the privilege checklist:
- How is privilege structurally upheld in our society?
- What is the role of power in relation to privilege and oppression?
- What different types of privilege exist in our society and are included in the checklist?
- How can an individual experience both privilege and oppression? Can you think of examples?