Preformative privilege, the middle line between preformative activism and using privilege for good. After analyzing the different types of privilege one can face, I have come to the conclusion that I experience at least five different types of privilege; these include but are not limited to—-white, cisgender, heterosexual, able bodied, and class. I have never and will never understand the challenges that people of color face. I have never watched government leaders debate over whether or not my human rights are worthy of fighting for because of the way I identify. I have never feared that I will leave my home and enter a world that doesn’t accommodate my needs. And I have never worried about how my family and I will afford necessities. This is a privilege. Each person reading this should stop and analyze their privilege as well. How can I use this privilege to help others? 

In recent months we may have seen those around us share forms of advocacy through social media. Although this may seem like a reflection of a person’s allyship, expectations should be set much higher. Education is key to progress, and also one of the easiest ways. We each need to be responsible in educating ourselves. Education can be achieved through a quick google search. Or listening. Listen to those who have experienced racism, homophobia, xenophobia, classism, transphobia, and ableism. Although we may not have experienced each one of these, I can unfortunately guarantee that these stories can be heard anywhere you go. Our peers, parents, teachers, and neighbors. Listening can help us better understand the hardships people face. We can also read. We can read experiences of those who lived before us better understand the root of these issues that have separated us from one another. 

Add these to your reading list for a better understanding on this topic

• White Fragility by Robin DiAngelo
• How to Be an Antiracist by Ibram X Kendi
• The Hate You Give by Angie Thomas
• Look Me in the Eye: My Life with Aspergers by John Elder Robison
• Wonder by R.J Palacio
• They Called Us Enemy by George Takei
• Some Assembly Required: The Not-So-Secret Life of a Transgender Teen by Arin Andrews
• I Am Malala by Christina Lamb and Malala Yousafzai

In one of the books listed, They Called Us Enemy, we can experience only the beginning of the struggles on page 10. The family is instructed to leave their life behind. This was only the beginning of the hell they would face in the next few years, and it turned out that this discrimination would never end as people grew stuck in their ways. This story helps readers to understand the root of the systemic racism against Japanese people, or on a broader aspect, Asians, experience here in America.

But alongside posting infographics on instagram, how else can we make a difference. It would be ideal if everyone was respectful and considerate of others. But many are unwilling to educate themselves and listen to others. This is unfortunate but this reoccurring issue is rooted in systemic discrimination. The topics noted above should not be “agree to disagree” topics. These need to be discussed with people who disagree. These topics need to be discussed in order to see change. Use any privilege you have to educate others on these topics and also discuss the harm in resisting and denying other peoples truth. So instead of simply just publicly sharing a couple of posts, be sure to take accountability in yourself and advocate for others even in private conversations. Some difficult people that may need to have these discussions are grandparents, parents, siblings, and even close friends. Because human rights should not be up for debate. Everyone deserves to feel safe. Even if these difficult conversations cause slight discomfort. In order to create change, we must go above and beyond to learn, listen, and discuss. 

Movies:

• Miracle in Cell No. 7
• 13th
• The Hate U Give
• Battle of the Sexes
• The Help
• Wonder
• She’s Beautiful When She’s Angry
• He Named Me Malala
• Life According to Sam