Over the past week we have been reading and discussing several ideas connected to privilege. Most notably we read Peggy McIntosh's "Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack," which described White privilege and gave a number of examples that we discussed in class last week. The concept of privilege clearly can be applied to many areas beyond race, including gender, geography, and class. Recently the topic of privilege has made the news based, in part, on the increasingly common use of the phrase: "Check your privilege." The use of this phrase and various reactions to it have spun into many different dialogues weaving their way through the blogosphere, social media, and cable television. For this week's blog I would like you to focus on the debate emanating from Princeton University a couple of years ago centered on this phrase. First read the post that started much of the recent uproar written by a Princeton freshman here. Next read the public response to the first argument written by another Princeton student and printed in TIME Magazine here (you may also want to check out the I Too Am Princeton Tumblr here).
Much of the debate centers on whether there is, in fact, privilege and whether this supports or disproves meritocracy. I would like to hear your thoughts now after reading these arguments. Does meritocracy exist in America? Is it affected by race or class or any other factors? What do you think about the use of the phrase "check your privilege," and other attempts by some to make privilege more visible?
I think meritocracy exists in America, but it is not as common or easily attained as others perceive it to be. I do, though, think that race and class has an affect on it. Although many have achieved great success through hard work and skills, it does not necessarily mean that being part of a certain class and race were not involved. Despite the progresses and changes that were made throughout the years, the harsh reality is that racism still exists. It is not impossible for an employer to favor one applicant over the other solely on their race. Also class can lead into this scenario has it seems that people coming from the upper class have better access to networking and getting the best education. Although there could be cases of people reaching success through solely on their hard work and skills, it is unrealistic to think that race and class does not affect meritocracy at all.
ReplyDeleteIn regards to the phrase "check your privilege," Briana Payton makes a great point that, "Privilege is not an idea aimed at muting opinion or understating the worth of accomplishments. It is not a stab at personal character, nor is it something for which one needs to apologize." I really liked this point because I think there are at times an misunderstanding on what "privilege" means in this context. I don't believe one should be necessarily be ashamed or chastised by others for having innate privileges; because it is not something they have full control of. However, I think it is wrong for people to argue that people just don't work hard enough as them in order to support their claim that their privilege does not exist. What I view of "checking your privilege" is that it is an opportunity to understand why we have these innate privileges and others do not. No one should be forced to give up anything, but at the very least there should be an attempt of understanding of what making privilege more visible can do.
I agree with a lot of your points here, Liana. I definitely think much of the privilege in this society relies on race, class, and we shouldn't forget gender/sex as well. In the film industry, for example, there is a huge disparity between white men that are hired to direct blockbuster films and people of color, and especially, women. I'm pretty sure only like one or two major studio films last year that were made by a woman, and one of them was Wonder Woman; Patty Jenkins, the director, hadn't made a film for like 12 years and her last film won an Oscar, and she still had to wait twelve years before getting a new one, whereas a lot of men are offered huge films immediately after they have somewhat of a breakout success. Women directors work just as hard as the male directors, and sometimes even turnout better films, and yet they are not rewarded as easily or as greatly. That's the way it's worked for a while, and that's probably the way it's going to keep working unless something is systemically changed.
DeleteAnd that systemic change has to come from the people who are given these opportunities in the first place. I am saying this from a place of a straight white male, yes, and as someone who wants to work in the film industry, so I acknowledge that I will and already have those inherent privileges, but like you said in your quote in the second paragraph, saying that I have privileges is not necessarily a personal attack on me or anyone else like me. That's just the way it is and has been in society for generations. But how we use that privilege is actually the thing that determines our character, and the way I see it, those who are privileged should find a way to use that privilege to help advance those who are not. That's what I hope to do, and that's what I'd like to see other directors or studios do at the same time, either hiring more women for projects and hiring more people of color. And don't just stick them into the box of "women can only make movies about women" or "people of color can only direct movies about people of color." Let them make whatever they want. That should go for all artistic pursuits as well.
Privilege and meritocracy exist in America. I believe that it is foolish to think that if one exists, that the other does not in any facet. Throughout Fortgang's critical response to the phrase, 'check your privilege,' he unearths the hard work his family has done to put him in the place that he has been afforded. While he shows that with hard work, one can be economically successful in America (look his family did it); it doesn't prove that this is always the case. Privilege exists as well and it was what he was afforded because of hard work from his family, he did not have to worry about food on the table or if insurance would cover an injury. On the opposite side of this, there are many in this country that work hard and due to (for example) economic status of their parents, cannot afford higher education and thus are limited to a certain number of jobs. This is oppression. There are factors that restrict people (hard working and not), that hold back many people from economic mobility. An example of this is redlining, but it is important to look at statistics and recognize which groups policies like this impacted the most. Sometimes, the best moral characters are restricted in their successes due to external factors and Fortgang while establishing his families and his hard work, missed. I believe his family has worked hard, but in recognizing their hard work, he must recognize that there are those that have had families work just as hard as him and not be able to be afforded the opportunities he has.
ReplyDeleteMatthew, you make a great point and I agree with what you're saying about Fortangs need to accept and understand that their are families who have worked just as hard or harder, and have not obtained anything near the level of success that his family has. His article was absolutely emotionally driven. And unfortunately, the issue of privilege doesn't get the attention it needs when people see it only as Fortang sees it, you've got to take a step back and put personal things behind and think on a macro level. But at the same time, people who angrily accuse others of being privileged, need to take a step back as well, and understand not everyone is the same. Peaceful, meaningful and truthful dialogue is needed for fixing and getting everyone to understand that privilege exists and our government promotes it.
DeleteI do believe that a meritocratic system exists in America, one perhaps affected in some ways by background. In a true meritocracy performance and opportunity should be based on skills alone, and I am sure there is some degree of this in the United States today, but I would guess that knowing the right people or having a particular background would help a lot.
ReplyDeleteAs for the phrase "Check your privilege," I do not think people would say it as much as they do if it does not apply to anyone. I have met and heard of several people who could use a privilege check, so I am sure there are similar sentiments among people less privileged as I. I am fully aware of my privilege and its benefits and drawbacks, so I would make an argument that I am more self-aware than many Americans. For that reason I think the phrase and others have some merit, as long as they are used responsibly. I think it is better for people to learn about their privilege in life rather than to be scolded for it.
I agree with you in a couple areas here, Andrew. First, I agree off the bat that meritocracy exists in America, undoubtedly. I like how you expanded on what an ideal system would like, because as you note, a real system would reward people based on skills and not some sort of outside factor such as hereditary benefits. I also agree with you that the phrase is used and abused too much. The phrase carries meaning, yes, but when it is used as much as it is and without the right tone behind it, it loses its validity. Honestly I really relate to what you are saying here. I have definitely heard it used by people who shouldn't be saying it and I have met people who could use someone telling them to check their privilege. All in all, I find the phrase a bit fragile. Ideally, those who are privileged would know better than to step out of their boundaries, but the definition of privileged is even changing in today's climate. Essentially, the ideal use of this phrase and the ideal definition of privilege are so skewed that this undoubtedly will be a controversial topic.
DeleteI’d say that meritocracy exists in America since people are acknowledged and rewarded for their talents and achievements, but I think that a person’s path to meritocracy depends on their race and class. Class can be shown to affect meritocracy because I feel a student from a lower class family may work hard, but are unable to grasp success. On the other hand, students who come from more upper class parents can afford to send their children to better schools. Therefore, these students have a higher chance to be recognized, and have more opportunities to be part of the meritocracy. Race can also play a role on a person’s path based off how our race can be a factor to what types of talents people associate us towards. Thus, this is why I feel that race plays a factor of the amount of ways one can belong to a meritocracy.
ReplyDeleteFor me, I see the phrase "check your privilege" as a way of reflecting about a person’s own life. I think through understanding and reflecting the privileges we have, we can find ways to use our privileges to help those who lack these privileges.
Meritocracy does exist in America, but I believe it is something that exists on certain levels. It is greatly impacted by race, class, religion, sex, and the list goes on and on. Obviously, people will always be rewarded somewhat based on merit, but that merit is often looked under the lens of race, class, religion, etc. I think the phrase “check your privilege” isn’t something problematic. I think this phrase, is simply what the response article said, a phrase to remind people of the benefits they are able to obtain simply by being higher in the hierarchical system that this country was founded on. I think it’s something that causes other people to take a minute to reflect on themselves and think about where they may stand in that system because it is likely there are people who have never thought about it before. I think that if privilege is something that can become more visible and becomes something that people actually attempt to reflect about themselves, it could really bring a lot of problems into perspective. Is a person of privilege actualizes their own privilege they can think about how that impacts others who don’t have that privilege and how they can use their privilege to help others.
ReplyDeleteAllison, I really agree with what you’re saying at the beginning of you comment about how the existence of meritocracy work in conjunction with the existence of privilege. Meritocracy allows for discrimination to happen covertly. Often times the merit people had in the past came from their privilege to be able to gain these merits. That has not and is still not available to everyone. Furthermore, privileged people are automatically assumed to have more merit because of the stereotypes associated with them or the unprivileged. To ignore that the existence of meritocracy, doesn’t further systemic forms of privilege and oppression is to attempt to ignore the issue completely.
DeleteIn regards to phrase “check your privilege”, I think people’s uncorfamablity with it comes from the way it makes people feel. People with privilege are like fish swimming in water; they are surrounded by something that works to ensure their comfort. The phrase “check your privilege” then acts as a hand pulling the fish out of water. It shocks them to realizing that the world caters to ensure the comfortability. The fish, privileged person, wants to get back to the state of comfortability it’s always known so fights against it. That little bit of uncomfortability a privileged person feels when they are called is just a fraction of the discomfort that oppressed people feel on everyday basis. Marginalized people are gasping for air, like a fish trying to constant flop its way back in water, and have become accustomed to having to fight to feel comfortable.
I think a Meritocracy is currently in place in America considering people are rewarded based on how big of an asset they are to their particular company. Although I've always been taught and can see where working hard should equate to being paid more, I can see why working hard does not mean you should get paid a lot of money. From a business perspective, it's all about how much value you bring to a company. In terms of privilege, while I do see that a certain demographic is in fact privileged, I don't think that discredits their work. I think when people use "check your privilege" to offend somebody, I don't think that's necessarily fair. Although they were given a "head start" they still had to work and I don't think it's fair to discount someones work/abilities/achievements based off were they began.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you that some people have used the phrase “check your privilege” as way to offend people. There have been times where the phrase has been blatantly used. I do not mean to offend you in anyway, but I think there can be a significant difference between a “head start” if one race has the law on their side compared to other races. I also completely agree with you that people should not discredit a person’s hard work because everyone has to struggle to be where they are, but there have been people who achieved success through different paths because of certain factors. Some of the paths do require more work and effort. We are all trying our best, and we should acknowledge and respect the difficulties of each path. Like I said, I’m sorry if I sound a bit offensive towards your comment, but I do respect it.
DeleteI believe that meritocracy does exist in America, I strongly believe that if I didn’t have the ground works laid out for me from such a young age to be on a certain path that I would probably not care to go for higher learning. I believe race and class play a role in meritocracy as well, being in a lower income class the opportunities that may be presented to you in life are completely different than someone who is white and from a middle class or above middle class income range. In a meritocracy the opportunities that are presented should be based on skills and many times there are a multitude of other factors that go into it that can hinder one’s opportunities because of race, religion, and even sex. For the phrase “check your privilege” I think it is kind of over the top to be throwing around. I feel it is really hard to judge somebodies privilege and thinking that the only reason that are at a certain point in their life is based merely off their privilege. In addition, the meaning of privilege and what we see can be defined as privilege is constantly changing in our society and will be a continuously changing factor in life.
ReplyDeleteI found the “point and counter point” articles about privilege very interesting and both had good points. Personally, I do believe that white privilege does exist. Evidence of this can be seen quite often, especially throughout our justice system (prisons, policing, etc.) and our education system. The foundation and rules of our country were set in place by white males, that is simply a fact and consequences have come from that, which prompts the need for certain reform. When it comes to the phrase “check your privilege” and any variations of it, to me, it feels as if it certainly is a “negative judgement” about someones character simply based on their race. While the counter point article argued differently, I believe that that phrase has more of a personal undertone, it comes with anger and at times it seems like resentment. Now it’s completely natural for people to be upset about the system that governs us and how it provides disproportionate benefits to a select few, I’m not denying white privilege, and we should recognize and reform the institutional racism that is rooted in our government. But from my experience, “check your privilege” has always come off very negatively, with a very personal undertone. For example, while attending UIC, a student got upset with me when I told her that I am going to college for free because of my service in the Marines. She responded by saying “wow, must be nice” and that it was only because I was a white male, and that I didn’t earn it through my service, I simply got it because I’m white. When in reality, I did earn it from my service, fighting in Afghanistan and the Central African Republic, as did my fellow Marines of all skin color. This happened to me several times at UIC, and twice since I’ve been at DePaul. So, while I absolutely agree about white privilege, and that I have been privileged during certain parts of my life, it is not the same for every white male, but the way that phrases like “check your privilege” are used, it does seem to be very personal and makes some very big assumptions.
ReplyDeleteMeritocracy does exist in America, but it is effected by our privileges. The greatest indicator of whether you will be a success is still your talents and ability, but process of gaining these talents and abilities is often influenced by your privileges or lack thereof. First you need to go to school to gain “talents or abilities”. And statistically speaking if you are black in the U.S, chances are your public school is not going to be as good compared to public school in white districts. Your success in high school, college and your career is then going to be dependent on your earlier education, and not entirely on your own merits. I have no issue with the meaning behind the phrase check you privilege, so long as it is not used as a automatic debate or discussion ender. I fear that if someone uses the phase that it would automatically discredit what that person had just said, which does not really accomplish the true goal of the phrase.
ReplyDeleteThe quote that stood out to me the most in both of these articles was this statement from Payton’s piece: “Just because the ‘American Dream is attainable even for a penniless Jewish immigrant’ doesn’t mean it’s equally attainable for all other groups in America.”
ReplyDeleteThere’s a lot to unpack in this quote. I believe what she’s saying is true — the privilege of one’s class and skin color greatly influence one’s ability to move upward and create a better life for oneself. However, she states in the beginning of her piece that meritocracy is a myth. I feel like the quote I just pulled from her article negates her own opinion. The key word here is ‘attainable.’ Fortgang’s grandparents obviously worked hard for the level of comfort they now have in America, they were able to ‘attain’ their version of the American dream. Operating in a world without merit means the world relies on handouts, which is not at all how America functions — at least, not the America I live in. Granted, there are some individuals who are able to obtain success through handouts (ie: people born into riches), but to say that an entire country/society operates on one system is foolish. Upward mobility is built on a foundation of privilege, but there is a large level of merit that goes into upward mobility as well.
America is a society where Meritocracy exists and privilege effects where people in society start off from. This base level is higher or lower depending on race, class, gender, sexuality, etc. Tal Fortgang mentions his parents sitting with him and passing on 'values,' of education and religion. The fact that his parents were able to sit with him and assist him in learning a second language is a sign of privilege, since many working class and lower class parents would be working and lack the time to do this with their children, thus putting them at an educational disadvantage. Education in the early years of a child's life influences their academic career moving forward, meaning that many children in under funded school districts lack textbooks and the opportunity to learn. Clearly, all children have the same ability, but due to their socioeconomic and/or racial identities, they lack the same opportunities. The phrase "Check your privilege" is something that I see as more of a helpful warning. People that are unaware of what they are saying can be ignorant, and while that is still problematic, it is better to explain why something was a micro-aggression than to just leave it wild. This is how society starts to understand that not everything is equal and how to increase the opportunities of marginalized communities.
ReplyDeleteI believe meritocracy is very prevalent in America and privilege plays a very big role in distinguishing who essentially has the capabilities that are emphasized based on merit. In the work environment, those who prove to me most proficient and skilled receive a promotion. In education, those who do well are often offered scholarships and acceptances to school’s to which they apply. American’s are taught that if they put forth their best effort and prove to excel, then they will be rewarded. Socio-economic class and race both do impact the merit-based system that has been implemented into American society. Often times, those residing in lower-class neighborhoods don’t have the proper resources or funding, or even sufficient educational systems to provide students with a platform to help them get ahead in life. A white person from a more affluent neighborhood is much more likely to get a job than a black person from a more poverty-struck area. Gender also plays part in meritocracy, men have the tendency to be rewarded more or acknowledged for doing the same work as a woman. Because of the bias that exists in the United States, people are more likely to choose a white candidate over a black candidate or a man over a woman. The socioeconomic factors that people grow up in often times heavily determine how far they will get in life. It does not indicate that one is more deserving or skilled than the rest, but the advantage one gets from a white, high-income neighborhood is mostly due to their privilege.
ReplyDeleteI believe that Meritocracy exists in America which is directly affected and dependent on race and gender. The more qualified and accomplished a person is, the easier they will be able to succeed. However, more privileged people will have better access to opportunities which help them become more qualified and competitive, such as better education and personal connections. The majority of these privileged people throughout history have been white males. White males have created a society where they have had better opportunities while discriminating against women and people of other ethnicities, the effects of which still exist today. In today's society white privilege very much exists within this cyclical meritocracy.
ReplyDeleteHowever even though white privilege exists, I still think there are problems with telling someone to "check your privilege". I understand that people need to be aware that they have privileges which others don't, but every time I hear the phrase "check your privilege" used, it has always been in a demeaning way to discredit the other persons accomplishments. I think a lot of people took away the wrong message from Fortgang's article. I don't believe the author was trying to say that white privilege doesn't exist, but simply that people telling him to check his privilege made him feel worthless and undeserving. While the response from Briana Payton claimed that the phrase is not meant to attack a persons character, thats exactly what she did. She also discredited Fortgang's argument of using "oppression olympics" yet she did the same thing by one-upping him using cases of slavery and gender discrimination for her examples. I think that the main goal of the phrase "check your privilege" has its merits in spreading awareness of inequalities, but the way that it's used is a way for people to discredit other's accomplishments and silence their opinions by shaming them over something that they cannot control.
In my opinion meritocracy most definitely exists in America. One of the best examples of it’s existence can be found within the four major professional sports. Regardless of what you look like or believe in, you will draw the attention of professional organizations if you have the talent to play at the next level. People from all over the world play professionally in the NHL, NBA, MLB, and NFL. Some grew up rich, many grew up poor. The one thing that they all needed to get where they are is their talent and work ethic. I think this is also the case with the majority of professions in the US. However, it’s important to recognize that some people have it easier than others because of class, race, or whatever it may be. Privilege is most definitely out there and can be an issue. The phrase, “check your privilege” made me reflect on how lucky I am compared to some others. I think it can add more incentive to do our best at whatever it may be we have an advantage in based on our privilege. Many people of privilege take it for granted but I don’t think it’s reasonable to insult someone because the situation they were born into.
ReplyDeleteThese articles brought up some interesting points. While I can concede the point that historically, the United States favored white land-owning men, the idea that meritocracy in America is a myth or that someone's ancestors accomplishments make their own accomplishments void is absurd. America is filled with tales of those who came from nothing and managed to make something of themselves. Even if someone came from a family that provided them with advantages, why should that diminish their own accomplishments and ability to get farther in life? Many parents say that one of their goals is to give their children a better life than they had. Why should having a good life be something to be ashamed of? Not everyone comes from the same background, and that's okay, it's a part of what makes America unique and strong. Some, like Payton, claim that the idea of "checking ones privilege" isn't used to attack character or credibility, yet that's a huge part of her argument when attempting to discredit Fortgang's view. There's always someone who started from a better point and there's always someone who started from a worse off point. Instead of focusing on what gave someone else a leg up, we should see it as a badge of honor if we are able to move past those people based on our own merits.
ReplyDeleteI do believe meritocracy does exist in America today. People will be rewarded if they put in hard work and dedication. If that didn’t exist the American Dream would be a complete lie today. However, the American Dream may still be alive but it is positively more attainable by some. The division in our nation is very apparent, and some will have an advantage over other. Unfortunately this has almost everything to do with an individual’s socioeconomic status, race, gender, legal status, or even place of residence. There seems to be communities trapped by a cycle of poor education and low wages, and more. It seems very difficult in America today to have upward class mobility even if when they are the hardest working group. Not only are there poverty traps there is still blatant racism and sexism that is well document in the workplace, schools, and society in general. I don’t know how these problems will be fixed at the institutional level, but I agree with the use of the phrase “check your privilege”. While there may be some abuses of the phrase I think it accurately points to problems in we have in our society and should make people specifically white males to reflect on it. Without “checking your privilege” some may never even think about it, while it is happening everyday around them. This type of awareness is the only way real change in our society may happen, we need to change this unfair system (level the playing field) so meritocracy can really work.
ReplyDeleteI think meritocracy is alive and thriving in the US, if it weren’t we wouldn’t be having people like Tae Fortgang trying to justify why him and his family have achieved what they have. I understand that hard work could get you far, unfortunately not everyone has the opportunity to even work hard to try and obtain the same life the Fortgangs. I truly don’t think that there is one thing that affects meritocracy. It’s different in every group. Even within minority groups someone might have an “privilage” over someone else in that minority group. There is definitely a spectrum of different “privileges”. I do agree that there is value behind the phrase “check your privilege” i just don’t think it really does anything if we just use that as a way to make someone acknowledge what they are doing. I feel like that’s more of a movement than it is just a phrase to say to someone and walk away.
ReplyDeleteCertainly, there is a commonly accepted idea that America operates on a meritocracy system; the general idea being that if you work hard you will become successful. While this may be true to a certain degree, Briana Peyton makes a good point in saying that the soil others till — the soil belonging to women and minorities — may not be as “fertile” as the soil of a white man’s. White men do not experience the kind of implicit hindrances to opportunity in society that many others do. I find it rather foolish that the author of the first post claimed that everyone has equal protection under the law and that he can’t possibly have privilege because his ancestors fled persecution and flourished in America. First, the phrase check your privilege can be aptly applied in a situation because someone like Fortgang don’t see that certain laws disproportionately affect minorities and people of color in a way that creates cycles of poverty and disadvantages. Secondly, while he’s his family did have past sufferings, we discussed in class that America’s immigration system has had a history of predominately favoring white European people, which could be a reason they were able to enter the country in the first place and continue to work within a society based on favoring white people to instill privileges he claims such as valuing education.
ReplyDeleteI thought this quote by Payton really sums up how privilege impacts meritocracy in America: "No one is saying Fortgang did not sow seeds, but checking his privilege is just acknowledging that the ground he tilled was more fertile than the ground others tilled. They could have spent the same amount of time in the hot sun, watering these seeds, but Fortgang might still reap better results because of certain advantages."
ReplyDeleteI do believe that meritocracy exists today, that people are rewarded for their hard work. However, there are systemic injustices that many - especially the privileged - cannot see, which do affect everyone's ability to earn a living in different ways.
It is easy to point to Chicago to see these injustices at work. For example, our property-tax-based system of funding public education ensures wealthy neighborhoods have well-funded, high-achieving schools. While the public schools in low-income, historically black neighborhoods (thanks to racist redlining policies) are in desperate need of funding and resources. Instead of allocating resources where they are needed most, CPS is closing many of the elementary and high schools on the south and west sides including ALL of the public high schools in Englewood. There is a growing divide between education opportunities, which is the starting point for lifelong achievement. It is manifesting in less social mobility and a rigidified class structure. Today, only a small percentage of the bottom (income) quintile break into the top. Whereas the majority of those in the top quintile remain there.
Additionally, our criminal justice and legal system do not produce equal outcomes for white people and people of color. White people are profiled less often and tend to receive lighter sentences for the same crime - drug possession for example.
Also, studies have shown that employers as well as public services are less receptive to applications/inquiries from ethnic-sounding names.
Fortgang stressed the idea of equal protection; I do not think we should be focusing on that, but rather equal opportunity and equal outcomes. It is clear that our systems are failing on both accounts.
Meritocracy exist to some extent, I feel that it is affected by race or class and sometimes even gender. Seeing how we are not completely a country where everyone is seen as equal and we have a wide variety of class and race it is difficult to believe it is in full effect. By that I mean that I believe it exists, but it is not exercised to its maximum extent. I still believe that in this country the white is privileged because history shows it. Yes, we have come a long way but Rome was not built in a day. For people to think that privilege doesn’t affect success I believe it would make them ignorant. Being a minority has opened my eyes to this exactly, I have had to work so much harder than people around me to be where I am currently, and I have much more to accomplish. Truthfully, I am tired, and I don’t even know if I “will make it”(In other words be successful to the extent that I climb that social ladder). I’m sure this (working hard) does not happen to all minorities, nor do I think that certain races are born to be successful however, I do think that It is easier for certain races to hold goods and power even when they do not obtain talent, or they did not work nearly as hard as others have to attain the same. I have never personally heard of “check your privilege” until this class, I do think that it is pretty impressive for people to want to advertise privilege as a issue in this country.
ReplyDeletePure meritocracy has never been a universal reality for the majority of Americans, and to believe it has is to falsify our history. If we really lived in a meritocracy we wouldn’t need affirmative action or Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act. Merit, in these cases, had nothing to do with why individuals weren’t accepted into universities or hired. They were only enacted to counter the discrimination so many of these minority groups faced.
ReplyDeleteToday, it is naive to think that every CEO, Congressman, and Hollywood executive secured their prestigious position based purely on their ability. Yes, all of these people had something “special” that brought them there. In part it was surely their talent, but we also have to taken into account other factors that place them in a privileged position. Race, where they grew up, their socioeconomic status, gender, completion of higher education, and what sort of connections they had are not insignificant. For every privileged person, there is an oppressed person. Or at the very least, a person who was not granted the same opportunities. “Checking your privilege” isn’t to dismiss all of an individual’s hard work like Fortgang believes. It is, like Briana Payton says, to recognize the ways a person like Fortgang has a built-in head start before the hard work has even begun.
Meritocracy does exist in America, but to an extent. There are many people and institutions in America who do not rely on meritocracy, these people tend to be bigots or racists. However, meritocracy does exist in institutions who are run by people who are impartial and judge people based on merit alone.
ReplyDeleteMeritocracy is not effected by race, color, or religion, because it is defined as a measure of one’s ability, competence, and experiences.
If the white privileged student (you probably already know which article I side with) from Princeton exposes the fact that he is Jewish to a racist institution possibly in the south, he will see what it means not to have privilege. I think it is important to recognize that some Americans are more privileged than others just because of their skin color and religion. There are those in America who are marginalized. These people who are marginalized are minorities and they have difficulties because meritocracy is not truly in effect. Minorities will have some difficulties others don’t just because of their skin color, hair, religion, and other characteristics that are not necessarily merit based.
I do believe meritocracy exists, however it is to an extent. I think the largest influence on success and opportunity in this country comes down to wealth. Given an even plane: race, gender, ethnicity, etc. are all factors in determining a persons possible positioning in society and in the workplace. What eliminates some prejudices and selections based on these categories is a persons economic standing above all. Hard work and dedication (combined with some fortune) can allow certain individuals access and opportunity to things that would otherwise be unobtainable. Class and economic status, however, is the determining launchpad that allows people the freedom to explore their dreams and goals. This is where the "privilege" stems from more than all.
ReplyDeleteAmerica believes itself to be a meritocracy. We champion the idea of the "American Dream"; and look up to heroes who beat the odds and made a better life for themselves. But the fact remains it's not what you know its who you know. The connections and opportunities afforded to the upper class in America are extravagant. White neighborhoods have the best schools, the most funding, and receive the best support. This gap has persisted since the dawn of this country. It stems from the limits of suffrage and the existence of slavery. Programs like Affirmative action have tried to level the playing field for previously disadvantaged groups. While the minority groups remain disadvantaged, society makes steps forward. There is still much to accomplish; the playing field is not leveled. I do not believe using phrases like" check your privilege" are indicative of ad hominem. It does not show adequate respect for a viewpoint by attacking the person and not the argument. It does not lead to constructive discussion.
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