Recognizing and Dismantling Embodied Privilege

While a great deal of work exists about privilege, this chapter takes those discussions to an embodied level. “Recognizing and Dismantling Embodied Privilege” invites readers to reflect deeply on their gut reactions to their privilege, especially when being called out. It looks at the defense mechanisms that arise on the level of our thoughts, our emotions, and our physical reactions. Drawing on Robin DiAngelo’s work on white fragility, the chapter addresses why those defense mechanisms exist, but it also helps readers develop the capacity to sit with the discomfort of dismantling learned privilege. It also explores how our complex identities that are both marginalized and privileged can lead to particular resistance to being called out for privilege. Somatics practices help readers learn to recognize the dissonance that arises when privilege is shaken and instead shift to more intentional reactions that better align with our feminist values.

The latter part of the chapter discusses how to respond when we cause harm, including how to apologize, take accountability, and repair and rebuild trust. Mindful listening helps us move beyond defense mechanisms to truly understand the other person’s perspective.