DIVERSITY TIP OF THE WEEK: Examining our Dominant Identities

Almost all of us experience "privilege" or social advantages in some areas, and almost all of us experience a lack of privilege in other areas.

Some privileges are earned. They include the privileges attached to being a professor or a supervisor.  Other privileges are unearned such as being White, male, heterosexual, Christian, able-bodied, etc.

Typically, responsibilities come with privilege.  Professors are responsible for being outstanding scholars and excellent teachers Supervisors are responsible to be fair to and supportive of those whose work they supervise.

But what responsibilities come with unearned privilege? At a  minimum, one should be aware of that privilege.  A better step would include taking the initiative in reaching out to those without those privileges and acting in solidarity with them to help make our society more just.

--Contributed by Luke Jensen, Ph.D.

For more information, contact:

Jenny Denton

Office of Diversity & Inclusion

+1 301 405 6810

denton@umd.edu

www.diversity.umd.edu