Privilege: Some ideas and Activities to do with Students

A trending topic of discussion in todays social realm is an important one: Privilege. Privilege is defined as a sociological concept that some individuals and/or goups have a right, immunity, benefit, or advantage relative to others. Privilege is unlearned access to social power based on membership in a dominant social group. Privilege is a concept that many argue to define. Many people have a harder time accepting the fact that they have certain advantages or social privileges. Besides the controversy, privilege is a fact, and it exists in our world today. When I first started to learn and understand the concept of privilege and began accept the privileges I have as a white person, I initially carried a sense of guilt with me--but, this was selfish of me. I shouldn't feel guilty of how my privilege marginalizes others. Instead, I should use my privilege as an opportunity to learn and be responsible so that we may work towards a more just and inclusive world. As school counselors, teaching students to be aware of their social privileges is a responsibility towards these efforts. Teaching Tolerance is a great website with tons of educational resources to use in your classroom or counseling program. Here are so awesome videos with ideas and activities that can be used with students in learning privilege!

Check out this edition of The Chill for additional resources on diversity and privilege!