Using our ordinary privileges to help others

By Brian Maynor

 

Most of us don’t realize it, but we all have privileges that we take for granted every day.

These privileges are parts of ourselves that we don’t think about and make up our ordinary way of being, but in reality they are privileges not everyone shares.  For example, in the US being white, Christian, straight, English-speaking and able-bodied is the norm, but you don’t need all of them to be privileged.  Having any one of them is a privilege, as well as an opportunity.

These privileges may seem insignificant, but in reality they give us all the authority to speak up for others, fight intolerance and promote acceptance for everyone who doesn’t have them.

Here are a few ways we can all use our ordinary privileges to help others:

1.   Identifying our privileges. In addition to the examples listed above, we can identify our privileges by thinking about the parts of our identity we often don’t think about. Gender is the first additional privilege that comes to my mind.

2.    Pay attention to the challenges people who lack that privilege face on a daily basis. Whether it’s a work, school or in the community in general, when we start paying attention to the amount of bias that happens inherently can be very eye opening.

3.    Look for opportunities. Speaking up and confronting bias directly may be the most powerful way to use our privilege, but it certainly isn’t the only way.  We can also ask questions, raise issues, push boundaries and add insight in normal conversations.  These may sound subtle, but they are powerful and go a long way to help unprivileged people be heard.

4.    Pay attention to our own actions. No one is perfect, so in addition to shining a light on the bias from others, we need to shine a light on our own.  We need to be mindful and conscious of our own words and actions and how they are impacting those around us.

Privileges aren’t inherently bad.  Nor should they be something we deny.  What’s important is how we use our privileges.  We are all privileged in some way or another.  It’s no question they can help us in many ways, but they are also powerful tools to help others.

 

 

I’m always excited to hear from you, so please email your questions, quandaries and conundrums to [email protected].

 

About Brian Maynor

Brian Maynor has built a reputation as one of the leading style coaches in the Southeast and is quickly expanding his eponymous company, BRIAN MAYNOR and his FIND, FLATTER & FLAUNT line of image consulting services. A professional with a fresh, upbeat and down-to-earth personality and boundless creative energy, he works frequently with with local celebrities; Fortune 500 companies and nonprofit organizations; modeling agencies; fashion designers; production companies; record labels; media and individuals. A regular contributor to various fashion blogs and online communities, Brian Maynor is one of the most trusted and recognized style experts in the region, utilizing his education and training as a broadcast journalist to serve as a style lecturer, emcee, and commentator for over a decade. He has appeared at fashion shows, expos, and charity fundraisers, as well as events with big brands like Banana Republic, Ann Taylor, Chico’s and Macy’s. His approach is innovative, creative and fashion-forward, balancing fresh, modern styles with classic pieces to keep one’s look grounded. To learn more, visit http://www.brianmaynor.com.

 

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