Suggested Reading

Later in the semester, we'll be spending a couple class periods discussing reading that touches on feminism and privilege. I've had a couple students in the past ask why we spend so much time discussing "isms"--the discussions sometimes get heated and/or uncomfortable, and we often like to think of ourselves as enlightened, not needing to discuss things like this. After all, it's the 21st century, right? And we've already passed so many equality acts to prevent discrimination, right?

This article by blogger Sarah Moon helps to illustrate why these discussions still carry weight--legally, we may all [or most--there are still groups seeking true legal equality yet] be equal, but there are definite sociological and economic obstacles that hamper some groups in our society more than others that are not so easily legislated.

From "On Privilege and Taking the Stairs:"

Imagine you’re an able-bodied person. You are in great shape and everyday you take the stairs to your second story apartment. It’s good exercise, after all. You don’t even think twice about taking the elevator.

Then, one day you invite a friend over to your apartment after work. As you and your friend cross the apartment complex’s lobby, you go straight to the stairs like you always do.

But what if your friend is not as able-bodied as you are? What if she has a disability that prevents her from climbing the stairs? What you do without thinking twice puts your friend in an awkward position.

Read the rest here: http://sarahoverthemoon.com/2013/02/13/on-privilege-and-taking-the-stairs/