This week I got an opportunity to immerse myself in pool of new information and I will be breaking it down into sections so I can explain why this information is new to me, how does it connect with my previous knowledge and how it has changed my thinking.I will start with saying I didn’t know the real meaning of definition until I watched the video title ‘ Why does privilege make people So Angry?’.My definition of privilege was just ‘something that we are given but it is not our right and it can be taken away from us anytime’ for example I remember reading somewhere that driving in Minnesota was a privilege and not right.I had a very narrow understanding of privilege until I watched the 4min video and it opened my eyes to the meaning of privilege.
I realized everyone has a type of privilege..Previously I thought having a privilege was only people like who had wealth or fame or being white in America or being A christian in America or having rich parents but I did not know using the bathroom without any accommodation was a type of privilege and because of getting exposed to such information I am able to appreciate what I have and I believe it is my duty to make sure all people are treated fairly.
Since I came to America I am almost losing my first name(Mukhtar) due to many people mispronouncing and for me personally when does not say my name well..I just correct them and move on.Since I started working in a school I realized that students are very sensitive to how you say their names and I have doing my best to call them their preferred name in the most correct way so I will be able to communicate with them and establish a great relationship.
I came across a very interesting Quiz that trigged my mind and I started counting my privilege until I could not keep going but I also realized the many forms of discrimination that we have our society and it was eye opening for me.I felt the quiz got me of my comfort zone and I found myself in the reality of the world we live which needs a lot of changes.
I read the ‘The privilege list’ and it is amazing how many groups of people are privileged.For Example sometimes people will end up telling ‘happy christmas’ and I have to explain to them I don’t celebrate christmas and there is no way I can say it back.Some of the privileges I have as a straight man is I don’t fear being discriminated for my gender and many other privileges of straight.
This is my first Blog post and it is not great post but I am sure I will be doing better in the next.
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