Privilege In America

Words: 1435
Pages: 6

Introduction: Privilege is an advantage and benefit for certain individuals based on their position and identity within a social hierarchy. Privilege is a concept deeply ingrained in our society. It manifests itself in the form of race, gender, sexuality, economic status, religion, ethnicity, etc. This significantly impacts individuals’ experiences throughout their lives. It heavily influences choices, opportunities, and experiences for all individuals. Privilege is often not noticeable to those who have it, but is drastically apparent to those who do not have it. Privilege has been used to assert power over marginalized groups for centuries. Privilege adheres to a social structure where certain groups will always be advantaged, and certain groups disadvantaged.

I. Gender: Men vs Women Regardless of race or
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“Violence is an addiction that a male-dominant society creates by teaching that “real men” must dominate and control the world in general and women in particular.” (Outrageous Acts). As a female who has grown up in America, there are certain things, I have been taught that a man will never have to learn, let alone think about. Growing up I was taught things like yelling “fire” because people don’t respond to help. Never let them take you to a second location. Don’t walk alone at night, use the buddy system. This is just common knowledge for women, a survival guide. Men are privileged because they don’t have to think about such things additionally, which is the reason most of these survival tips exist. Privilege will always be an aspect of life that will help men; likewise, it will always be an aspect that disadvantages women. Our society has this notion that men are inherently better than women. Even people that support women and equal rights have some of these thoughts and beliefs deeply ingrained; they just don’t know it. “These demands