Using Privilege to Advocate for Change

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wJJloZ3wKc0 

Samantha Wood explores the role of privilege and how those with privilege can be powerful tools of change.  Throughout this class, we have watched, read, discussed, and blogged about the power culture and those with/without privilege.  I have thought about these concepts for the last few weeks and tried to find my place in this system.  

I think back to my upbringing.  My Dad moved from Ireland to the United States when he was 28 years old.  He met my Mom soon after moving here; time moves on and they become pregnant with me, get married, get pregnant with my sister and eventually settle down in Rhode Island.  We lived on the Lincoln/Pawtucket line (that in itself was cultural dichotomy).  My sister and I grew up with a strong Irish culture.  My parents belonged to an Irish group that had its base in Pawtucket.  We listened to Irish music, attended every Irish event in the area, ate Irish food, and our Dad had (has) an Irish accent.  My sister and I did not listen to Pop music or engage in Pop culture.  Within our school culture, my sister and I were different.  And I felt this difference growing up.  Initially I had a little resentment about not being like everyone else.  As time passed, I quickly got over this and embraced my Irish culture with open arms.  As we got older, my sister and I assimilated into our own school culture.  And while we still engaged in Irish culture, we were finding our way through what we perceived as Pop culture.  

Throughout my years I have met many people from different cultures.  I have had interactions with almost every culture secondary to the jobs I worked.  These experiences have awarded me with a knowledge of ideas and beliefs that are different from my own.  I believe this is important because this awareness and immersion has provided me with a respect for views and ways of life that are different from my own.  

Samantha Wood states that as more people and systems assimilate to the culture of power the less diversity in culture we have globally.  It is imperative to acknowledge that a system exists.  It is also important that people recognize these systems for what they are and develop ways to disrupt these systems.  Society should embrace all cultures as they provide for a more colorful actualization of the world.  The idea that one global culture that was dictated by those in power would one day exist is both frightening and sad.  The many cultures of the world provide the color and excitement of the world.  

Another point Samantha Wood makes is that those with privilege should use their voice to advocate for change.  Voices should be made clear and precise.  Cultures should not look at each other's differences and determine who is inferior, because in reality not one culture is better than another.  All voices should have a place in the system.  This makes the system more robust.  It also makes the system all encompassing and accessible to all peoples.