The word “privilege” has taken on a negative connotation in today’s society. It can be challenging to have a constructive dialogue about it when people are quick to label others as “bad.”
But what exactly is privilege? And why is it seen as a bad thing?
Webster’s dictionary defines privilege as “a right or immunity granted as a peculiar benefit, advantage, or favor.” In other words, privilege is a set of advantages that someone has.
For example, being born into a wealthy family is a privilege. Having parents who are college educated is another form of privilege. Being white is a form of privilege. Each of these examples comes with its own set of advantages.