Using Our Privilege to Create a Positive Impact

by Aida Mercado

SUSTAIN community Free Fridge Activation during Earth Month 2022 in NYC.

The word privilege is defined as a right or benefit enjoyed by a particular person or group. To some, it may have a negative connotation. If we’re honest however, we’re all afforded some kind of privilege. We may not realize the crucial role they play in our lives, or how these impact our view of the world surrounding us, but they are an integral part of our identity. Instead of feeling shame, let's embrace them, let’s learn to use them to be a voice for others, to create the positive change we want to see.

Democratic Privilege

Living in a democratic society gives you the privilege to vote in meaningful, free and fair elections and to hold politicians accountable. It allows you to organize and to peacefully protest to express disapproval. You have the liberty to educate yourself, to make conscious decisions about your career, your lifestyle and your family’s values. 

Cultural Privilege 

In the U.S. our society was founded on a racist system designed to only benefit a select few (rich, white, male). As a matter of fact, before the Civil Right of acts of 1964, legal and systemic advantages were given to white people. Many years later the fight to end conscious and subconscious prejudice is still an ongoing battle, not only in the work environment, but in everyday life.

Climate change has a greater impact on minorities and indigenous communities, as they often live in areas that are prone to destruction when a natural disaster occurs. You can be an ally by using your advantage to demand that our leaders create policies to protect the most vulnerable. Fight for equality for minorities and sub-represented groups, support their businesses. Do not tolerate religious discrimination, fight against homophobia. Teach your children to acknowledge cultural diversity, to respect and admire our similarities and differences, to have open conversations. If you are white, use your privilege to lift up and inspire others.

Financial Privilege 

Consumers have the power to create demand, by choosing the brands they engage with and the corporations they choose to support. Being financially privileged gives you the opportunity to invest in electric vehicles and green energy. It allows you to support ethical and small businesses, to donate to organizations and political campaigns that align with your views. Having financial freedom gives you the flexibility to make choices for your family that can bring about positive change for humanity and the planet.

Male Privilege

Small steps make a big difference.

If you identify as male, use this privilege to challenge the standard definition of masculinity and its roles. Globally, an estimated 736 million women have been subjected to physical and/or sexual violence. It’s imperative you live with compassion and educate your sons to live with compassion. Listen to women. Speak up when someone makes a sexist joke or encourages harassment. Participate in women's marches, support women's organizations. Advocate for equal pay because still in 2022, women earn on average, 82 cents for every dollar men earn. Cheer the women that lead, learn from them, appreciate them, respect them; give your daughters the tools to become them. 

Able body Privilege

26% of adults in the United States have some form of disability. If you do not fall within this group, consider yourself privileged. A healthy body allows you to fully care for yourself, to control your diet and reduce your meat consumption. Having freedom of movement permits you to attend beach clean ups, to find alternate ways of transportation, to carry reusables, to buy in bulk when available. Use your privilege to always advocate for inclusivity and accessibility. 

We live in a society that constantly pushes us to compete with one another; to create animosity based on our skin color, body shape or gender. We can allow it to create separation, to blame those that we feel have an advantage over us and look down on those we feel have a disadvantage. Let’s consider the impact we can make however, should we choose the alternative– should we choose respect, should we choose compassion, should we choose to use our privilege as a cause for good, not because we have to, but because we want to.