Dismantling Heterosexual Privilege

[Eugene]

How does acknowledging systemic racism make you self-loathing? That's a weird leap to make. And who said anything about apologies or penance?

Oh, it sounds to me like Gene Robinson is demanding penance:

So unless I am actively working to dismantle the system that rewards white people, then I am still racist.

And it sounds like Kara Speltz is demanding penance:

That's not to say that racism doesn't reside in all of us, but some of us, make it a point to do everything to dismantle white skin privilige and others, like you "grow tired."

Penance is a very relative concept. I realize I'm much more conservative than most everyone who post on this forum (though I consider myself moderate), but I would think even someone with a more liberal bent would have no trouble seeing the connection. It isn't a "weird leap to make."

I'm glad there are people motivated to work for social justice. Me -- I'm motivated to live and let live. What I DON'T LIKE is for social activists to call me racist because I'm not expending all my energy to deconstruct society. Hurrah for them! But I'm of a less radical persuasion.

And getting back to the original topic, I think most heterosexuals would view this idea of "dismantling heterosexual privilege" as a radical concept. That isn't helpful to the cause of gay rights, in my opinion. Which is the point I've been trying to make -- and having made it, I going to consider that I've said enough on this thread.

[Rick336]

Originally Posted by Eugene

I'm glad there are people motivated to work for social justice.

Me too. Without them we'd still have slavery.

Rick

[Rick336]

Originally Posted by Eugene

And getting back to the original topic, I think most heterosexuals would view this idea of "dismantling heterosexual privilege" as a radical concept.

Of course they would. Look at how radical white America thought racial integration was. They were outraged at the idea. I remember their words:

"If we don't put a stop to this now, the Negroes will want to eat at every white restaurant in town!"

But as time went by we began to examine how our prejudices hurt racial minorities and eventually we began to change. Years later we even elected an African American president. And now the words are:

"Be the change you want!"


Rick

[Jennifer5]

I definitely agree that heterosexual privilege exists, I also agree that it should not be ignored (something which didn't come off clearly in my original post).

So, after you are aware of heterosexual privilege (and the many other types of privilege), what should I do next?

The awareness is clearly step one, but is that all we are after?

How exactly do we fight it?

[tdogg]

Who said, if you aren't part of the solution, you're part of the problem? It fits I believe. But history also shows that it's usually a small group that fights for rights of a larger population. Yes, I get tired of fighting and question the intelligence of it, when the so many of my GLBT sisters & brothers seem content with letting others do the work. It irritates me, makes me sad and even more tired.

Sometimes I think of moving to Canada and letting them live with the status quo.

But then, I realize that even if I were the only one fighting, working, being actively involved in trying to change the world, I would continue on. Because although equality benefits all, I see the benefit to myself and it's worth the struggle. I will also not begrudge those who choose to live with the status quo from benefiting from the fruits of my labor.

Action begins with awareness, but there must be follow up for the action to be effective. It can be as simple as talking to your family and friends, putting a sign in your window or yard or a sticker on your car, wearing a button. You may want to then make phone calls and write letters, attend equality rallies, get more involved. Some even dedicate their lives to activism if many forms, giving up well paying jobs to sometimes even volunteer full time.

It is the cumulative effort which produces results, and all actions are important. You can even be effective if you choose one person to have conversations with or just write a letter to your local newspaper editor. It doesn't take much and it doesn't have to cost you much.