Understanding ethnocultural privilege in contemporary American society
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Multicultural Discussion
The objective of this study is to describe the cultural understanding held of ethnocultural privilege in this society and how this has been observed in relation to oneself and others ands to answer how one holds privilege and what has been observed regarding others who are holders of ethnocultural privilege.
Ethnocultural Privilege Defined
Ethnocultural privilege is a privilege that the individual derives from belonging to a specific ethnic cultural group. This privilege is related in the work of Noel (2010) who states "I must face directly the privilege that my Whiteness, as well as my class and educational level, give me, and must realize the community members are also working though how they see me."
III. Importance of Comprehension of Ethnocultural Privilege
While there are members of the white class who are also members of the mid and upper socioeconomic classes that do have perceive their state of ethnocultural privilege, the individual who holds this privilege has a responsibility to know that they possess such status and to realize that their reality is often not the reality of those who are not 'privileged' and from an ethical standpoint the privileged individual is the individual to whom more is given and therefore, from whom more is expected in the areas of responsibility and cognition and most specifically taking into account the views and perspectives of others. Noel's work in writing is important because she examines herself from the view of the less fortunate and specifically those who are not 'privileged' in terms of their ethnicity and their cultural background and this critical analysis that Noel self-conducts is very candid and pertinent and assists Noel in her interactions with those who are not 'privileged' in terms of their ethnicity and cultural background. Noel states that there are three levels in the creation of change: (1) building relationships; (2) developing common understandings; and (3) taking action. All of these are necessary in order to create change. (2010)
Summary and Conclusion
Noel knew that if she were to create and bring about change that she had to first acknowledge herself as being 'privileged' and then had to view herself from the perspective of those who are not privileged as she. Rashi Fein stated "You cannot cross a chasm in two steps" however, establishing a common ground, understanding and language is a mighty big step toward the other side of the chasm and as such creates fertile ground for the actions that are necessary to bring about the desired change.
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- Noel, J. (2010) A Critical Interrogation of Privilege, Race, Class, and Power in a University Faculty–Urban Community Relationship. Urban Rev (2010) 42:210–220. Retrieved from: file:///C:/Users/User1/Downloads/Noel__J___2010___A_critical_interrogation_of_privilege__race__class__and_power_in_a_university_faculty-urban_community_relationship.pdf
- Parsons, EC (2001) Using Power and Caring to Mediate White Male Privilege, Equality, and Equity in an Urban Elementary Classroom: Implications for Teacher Preparation. The Urban Review, Vol. 33, No. 4, December 2001. Retrieved from: file:///C:/Users/User1/Downloads/Parsons__E__C___2001___Using_power_and_caring_to_mediate_white_male_privilege__equality__and_equity_in_an_urban_elementary_classroom.pdf
- Steele, CM (1997) A Threat in the Air How Stereotypes Shape Intellectual Identity and Performance. Stanford University. June 1997. American Psychologist. Retrieved from: file:///C:/Users/User1/Downloads/Steele__C__M___1997___A_threat_in_the_air__How_stereotypes_shape_intellectual_identity_and_performance_.pdf.
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