PRIVILEGE

Definition of Privilege: “A special right, advantage, or immunity granted or available only to a particular person or group.

At a manager’s training session, executives at all levels of the organizational structure participated in an exercise called “The Privilege Walk.”  The exercise was conducted in a large room with all seats pushed aside.  The moderator in charge of this learning activity would ask a series of questions, intended to help us recognize that there was a large gap between the life experiences of individuals of color and non-color individuals.  The questions we were asked oriented around such topics as the geographical location where one was raised and therefore implied socialization by associated norms, mores, customs and traditions acceptable in that area.  Other question related to the composition of the family, one’s perceived social class and the economic status of the family, what I perceived as questions intention to distinguish the differences between “the haves” and the “have nots.”  One question even sought to find out if our parents paid for the participant’s higher education or gave them the down payment for their first house right after graduation.  As you can imagine, some questions were more sensitive than others.  Some inquiries pierced the emotional armor of more than a few of these high-ranking professionals.  While the main objective was to increase our diversity, inclusion, and equity perspectives, the exercise quite clearly made some feel privileged and others not so privileged.  Let me provide an explanation of the feelings produced.

With each question that had been asked, you either took a step forward or a step back, or a step to the left or right.  The direction of one’s movement was dependent on how he or she answered the question.  At the end of the exercise, those who were at the front of the room, standing at the front and right side of the room were, with the exception of one non-color female, all were non-color males.  They were “the privileged.”  A deep discussion, characterized by surprising integrity, was held afterwards to help managers to be on guard about how they embraced the differences of people in the workplace and how they could escape socialized, acculturated mindsets that unconsciously penalized employees in various ways, employees who were not like them.  You are wondering, “Where is he going with all this?”  Hold on, read on, and you will see.

Yesterday, I devised a new form of a “Privilege Walk” and utilized it in the mentoring segment of our tutorial ministry for elementary students.  My purpose was totally different than the objective described in the corporate exercise above.  I wanted each child to finish the exercise at the front space that we used to conduct this unique privilege walk, and I wanted them feeling that they were indeed privileged.  I wanted their self-esteem heightened.  I even rewarded them with a little spending money, enough to buy a hamburger at the fast-food restaurant, so they would really feel special, privileged.  I am praying that my purpose was fulfilled.

Now, let’s talk about you.  You have both blessings and privileges, and granted sometimes the words are interchangeable.  But if you don’t mind, let me list just a few privileges, all which can be found in scripture.  I want you to feel privileged today too!  Privileges: You have the privilege to come boldly to the throne of our gracious God.  You have the privilege to receive second chances by the grace and mercy of God!  You have the privilege to look to the hills; look to God, the Creator who made heaven and earth, and from whom our help comes from!  You have the privilege to make disciples, recruit them and retain them.  You have the privilege to be contented and communicate to the world, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!”  You have the privilege to encourage others and be encouraged!  You have the privilege to confidently look for joy after a nighttime of sorrow.  Your privileges are far too many to list in this meditation.  So, today, as you walk from place to place, make it a privilege walk, and as you walk, instead of wandering about everything else and worrying about some things, think of all the privileges that the Lord has granted you!  I guarantee that afterwards, you will give God the praise and feel like shouting, “Glory hallelujah!”  Oh, I almost forgot.  Child of God, being called of God, and given privileges, with your multitude of priceless privileges, there is responsibility.  Read the verse below to substantiate that privileges come with responsibility.  Have a wonderful Wednesday!  Enjoy the privilege of walking in the light!  Be blessed!

“And I will make you a great nation, and I will bless you [abundantly], and make your name great (exalted, distinguished); and you shall be a blessing [a source of great good to others].” (Genesis 12:2 The Amplified Bible)

Still committed to the climb,

Mark L. King