Identify one dimension of diversity where you believe you are the beneficiary of unearned privilege (where your privilege may put others at a disadvantage).

Assignment Brief

First read the article by MacIntosh posted in the Cases and Readings tab on the course menu. Here is a summary of the instructions:

Identify one dimension of diversity where you believe you are the beneficiary of unearned privilege (where your privilege may put others at a disadvantage). On one page describe the dimension where you believe you have unearned privilege and list 5 examples (similar to McIntosh’s) but specific to you. The dimensions of diversity may include, but are not limited to; race, gender, religion, sexual preference, ethnic background, nationality, disability, adoption, physical or mental illness, marital status, parental status, and many others.
Identify one dimension of diversity where you believe yourself to be at a disadvantage with limited access to the invisible knapsack. Once again, list on a second page, 5 examples similar to MacIntosh but specific to your experience.

Conclude the assignment by describing what you have learned from the article and from your application of these ideas to your awareness of privilege in your work and in your life.

Sample Answer

Unearned Privilege: Male Gender Privilege

As a man, I recognise that I have benefited from unearned privilege simply because of my gender. This privilege often goes unnoticed in daily life but gives me certain advantages over others, particularly women and gender-diverse people. Here are five examples that reflect my personal experiences:

1. Safety in Public Spaces
   I can walk alone at night without constantly fearing harassment or assault.

2. Authority and Respect
   In group discussions at work or school, my voice is often listened to without being interrupted or questioned.

3. Job Opportunities
   I have noticed that in some industries, I am more likely to be hired or promoted simply because men are seen as more "assertive" or "strong leaders."

4. Appearance Standards
   I can attend professional settings without much concern about my appearance being judged harshly or sexualised.

5. Freedom from Gender Bias
   I have never had to worry about being seen as “too emotional” or “too aggressive” based on my gender alone.

Disadvantage: Ethnic Minority (South Asian) Background

As someone from a South Asian background living in a Western society, I have experienced being at a disadvantage in ways that are not always visible to others. These experiences reflect a lack of access to the “invisible knapsack” of privilege:

1. Assumptions About My Abilities
   People often assume that English is not my first language, even though I was raised speaking it fluently.

2. Cultural Stereotyping
   I am often expected to represent or explain my entire culture, religion, or ethnic group.

3. Limited Role Models
   I rarely see people who look like me in positions of power in media, business, or politics.

4. Name-Based Discrimination
   I have had job applications ignored until I shortened or anglicised my name.

5. Social Exclusion
   I sometimes feel like an outsider at social gatherings or work events where cultural norms or conversations exclude non-Western perspectives.