the false label of "privilege"

[drewkitty]

The "privilege" label is particularly pernicious because it is so easy to apply, so difficult to remove, and often serves as a "slap down" to any serious discourse or meaningful communication.

I am getting rather sick and tired of the logical fallacy that proceeds like this:

1) YOU are privileged because YOU (had X in your life, did not suffer from Y, have or do not have immutable characteristic Z)

2) because YOU are privileged, YOU have a positive DUTY to:

2a) silently listen to people who self-identify as less privileged and refrain from discussion, disagreement and debate . . . to the point that merely failing to agree with the purveyors of privilege makes one a racist

2b) go out of your way to be kinder, more generous, more tolerant and more patient with those who are not privileged . . . to the point that failing to recognize the privilege of non-privilege makes one a racist

2c) contribute your own valuable time, money and/or energy to helping the less privileged . . . to the point where reserving ones scarce resources for oneself, loved ones and friends makes one a racist

In a word, BALLS.

I am a strong believer in individual rights and a cantankerous son of a bitch. Any one who tells me that my "privilege" requires me either to 1) shut up, 2) be nice, or 3) give generously to those with less privilege, will be viewed as I view any other beggar, con man, priest, or other charlatan.

Whether or not I have privilege is a different discussion, to which my answer is a roundly stated "NONE OF YOUR [insert epithet here] BUSINESS!" I erred in participating in one of very many memes to this effect, which I have since removed. Whether I have 'privilege' or not is besides the point. In terms of sociology, I am vigorously resisting not only being labeled, but disputing further that the label itself has any value whatsoever.

A meta-point: of course, it is a good thing to 1) be respectful and listen to the viewpoints of others, especially on their turf; 2) be kind, generous, tolerant and patient with everyone from all walks of life; and 3) give of time and money and energy to the larger community and/or civilization. In fact I do all three, but I feel no need to justify myself here or for that matter anywhere.

It is the argument that I _must_ do so because I am privileged, and specifically that my failure to do so makes me a racist, that causes me to see red.

References:

http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/privilege

"a right or immunity granted as a peculiar benefit, advantage, or favor ; especially : such a right or immunity attached specifically to a position or an office"

http://www.amptoons.com/blog/archives/2006/09/26/a-list-of-privilege-lists/