1/ Lessons for living ethically with white privilege while recognizing intersectionality:
(a) Know Thyself, know the power that privilege gives you even despite having disempowered identities (e.g. I'm a cishet white male = power; redheaded Jew = disempowered)
(a) Know Thyself, know the power that privilege gives you even despite having disempowered identities (e.g. I'm a cishet white male = power; redheaded Jew = disempowered)
2/ (b) Embrace the power and use it the way all power, all abilities, all resources should be used: to do mitzvot (the commandments for we theists, atheistic beneficence for all)
Power isn't a sin. Misuse of power, disuse of power, abuse - those are sins
Power isn't a sin. Misuse of power, disuse of power, abuse - those are sins
3/ (c) Your use of Privilege Power is ethical when it will risk losing the power. It's foolish - and wasteful - to lament having privilege, USE it. Use all your power.
Power is given to you so you will do good things, especially to make the world more equal, ethical & kind
Power is given to you so you will do good things, especially to make the world more equal, ethical & kind
4/ It's a *gift* to know your privilege & power, b/c then you will push it to the limit to ultimately nullify that unjust privilege
But until that day, you must use whatever society gives you to make things just & kind
This is in contrast to those who fear losing their power
But until that day, you must use whatever society gives you to make things just & kind
This is in contrast to those who fear losing their power
5/ It's clear, it's the core of 'liberal guilt' that either pantomimes solidarity but won't go so far as to lose their status & power
This is key: the wrong way to be "liberal" is to ensure your privilege is intact at the end
This is key: the wrong way to be "liberal" is to ensure your privilege is intact at the end
6/ Tragically, there are those so overcome with guilt of their inheritance that they toss away their privilege & won't use it to effectively fix injustice
I get it. Some people can't handle power or leadership. But it hurts me to see it. It's like burning cash
I get it. Some people can't handle power or leadership. But it hurts me to see it. It's like burning cash
7/ In sum: (a) Know yourself, know the power imbalance of society & what you're given & what you don't have (this is the essence of intersectionality).
(b) Use the power you've been given to make the world better. That's the Meaning Of Life
(b) Use the power you've been given to make the world better. That's the Meaning Of Life
8/ Avot 2:16 = It's not on you to finish the task, but you're commanded to try to do all you can
Lo alekha hamelakha l'gmor, v'lo ata ben chorin livatel mimena
Don't be ashamed to use your power, b/c this is why you were created
sefaria.org/Pirkei_Avot.2.…
Lo alekha hamelakha l'gmor, v'lo ata ben chorin livatel mimena
Don't be ashamed to use your power, b/c this is why you were created
sefaria.org/Pirkei_Avot.2.…
PS 1/ Here's an example, pointed out by Nikole Hannah-Jones, of the wrong way to be a liberal:
PS 2/ Another. This story doesn't surprise me at all. Yes, I'm a liberal, but I try to be motivated by justice, and when I feel guilt and shame, the urge to crush the feeling - and not the cause - is disgustingly selfish
It's cowardice, pure & simple
It's cowardice, pure & simple
