The Privelege of Power
Moving from guilt to responsible action
I've been thinking a lot lately about privilege—that loaded word that can make so many of us uncomfortable. The discomfort is understandable. When someone points out our privilege, it can feel like they're saying we haven't worked hard or that our struggles don't matter.
But what if we reframed privilege not as something to feel guilty about, but as a form of power we can choose to use wisely?
Seeing the Invisible Backpack
Years ago, scholar Peggy McIntosh described privilege as an "invisible knapsack" of unearned advantages that some of us carry through life without even realizing it. The contents of this knapsack might include:
The ability to walk into a store without being followed by security
Seeing people who look like you represented positively in media
The benefit of the doubt in ambiguous situations
Access to networks that open professional doors
The freedom to make mistakes without them reflecting on your entire group
What's remarkable isn't just that these advantages exist, but that they remain largely invisible to those who have them. Like fish who don't notice the water they swim in, privilege often goes unrecognized by those who benefit from it most.
From Guilt to Responsibility
When I first began to recognize some of my own privileges—as someone who is educated, able-bodied, and part of the dominant culture—my initial reaction was guilt. That guilt, while natural, wasn't particularly productive.
What I've learned through this year's journey of humility is that guilt keeps us focused on ourselves. Responsibility, on the other hand, turns our attention outward to how we might use what we have for good.
The question shifts from "Should I feel bad about my privilege?" to "How can I use the access, credibility, or resources I have to create more equality?"
Power as Possibility
This brings us back to power. If we understand privilege as a form of power—the power to be heard, to move through the world with ease, to have options—then we can approach it with the same humility we've been exploring all year.
True humility isn't about denying the power we have. It's about acknowledging it honestly and asking how we might use it well.
Some possibilities:
Amplification: Using your voice to echo and strengthen others who aren't being heard
Door-opening: Creating access for people who face barriers you don't
Questioning: Challenging unfair systems that benefit you
Learning: Continuously educating yourself about experiences different from your own
Sharing: Distributing resources, opportunities, and platforms
Beyond Misconceptions
One common misconception about discussions of privilege is that they aim to make certain groups feel ashamed. In reality, understanding privilege is about recognizing the uneven playing field so we can work toward core principles of equality and dignity for all.
Another misconception is that acknowledging privilege means denying personal hardship. We can simultaneously recognize that life has been difficult in many ways while also acknowledging the advantages we've had relative to others.
The goal isn't perfection or performative allyship. It's the honest recognition that our experiences aren't universal, and that creating a more equitable world requires us to see beyond our own perspective.
Small Steps Forward
This week, I invite you to consider:
Where do you have access, credibility, or ease that others might not?
How might you use your particular forms of privilege as a force for good?
What systems or assumptions have you accepted that might need questioning?
To help guide this reflection, I've created the "Privilege Awareness" worksheet that focuses not on guilt but on responsible action. It offers practical ways to move from recognition to meaningful change.
Download it at aYearofHumility.net and join our community conversation about using privilege with humility and purpose.
Remember: Acknowledging privilege isn't about shame—it's about possibility. When we clearly see the power we hold, we can make more intentional choices about how to use it.
What forms of privilege are you becoming more aware of in your life? How are you choosing to use them? Share your thoughts in the comments below.