ABSTRACT
A2: We definitely don’t want to make students feel guilty for having privilege. That’s not something you can control. We cannot tell you how to feel, because you feel what you feel and we cannot deny that or tell you not to feel it. What we do know (and we’re guessing you know this too) is that guilt is not a very productive feeling. Guilt is only useful if it causes you to realize that your privilege is not a result of anything intrinsically more valuable about you than someone born with less privilege. In other words, those with less privilege didn’t necessarily do anything “bad” or “worse” to be where they are in life-they started off at a different place in life with different resources and opportunities. And we’re only speaking from our experience, but guilt
often makes us uncomfortable and not willing to engage. So feel your guilt, embrace your guilt and then throw it away. Say this out loud (no, we’re not joking), “Hello guilt, you are not helping me. I am going to say ‘Goodbye to you.’” (We suggest that you say this to the tune of “Goodbye to You” by The Veronicas or the Patti Smith version-you’ve likely heard this song before. Look for it on YouTube.)
We all have to try to understand other people’s experiences and withhold judgment. (No, it’s not always easy, and you won’t get it right all the time.) Privilege isn’t necessarily positive or negative-it just is. Our realization that it exists and that it influences our chances in life is what matters. As a communicator, understanding this can help you add humanity and humility to the work that you do.
