How to Challenge the Idea of Privilege

In today’s world, conversations about social justice, privilege, and intersectionality are increasingly common. These concepts, originally intended to highlight and address inequalities, are often used by Social Justice Activists (SJAs) to criticise and judge others. However, understanding the concept of intersectionality more deeply can help you respond to these attacks effectively and Challenge the Idea of Privilege. By exposing the contradictions and absurdities within their views on privilege, you can turn their arguments against them.

What is Intersectionality?

Intersectionality is a term referring to the idea that people experience discrimination and privilege differently based on the various aspects of their identity—such as race, gender, class, sexuality, ability, and more. The concept suggests that these identities overlap and intersect, creating unique experiences of oppression or privilege.

For example, a black woman might experience discrimination differently from a white woman or a black man because of the intersection of her race and gender. In theory, intersectionality helps to understand the complexities of people’s experiences. But when used in social justice rhetoric, it can become a tool for endless division and moral policing.

The Flawed Logic of Intersectionality in Privilege Discourse

One of the most powerful arguments you can use to challenge Social Justice Activists is pointing out the virtually unlimited number of intersectional identities. If intersectionality is about recognising people’s various overlapping identities, then it logically follows that almost everyone has some form of privilege over someone else.

For instance:

• Whites compared to Blacks: White people may have racial privilege, but a black man might have gender privilege over a white woman.
• Blacks compared to Natives: A black person may face racial discrimination, but they might still have more social acceptance than a Native American.
• Men compared to Women: Men may have gender privilege, but a woman might have privilege in a different context, such as receiving more sympathy in certain social situations.
• Muslims compared to Christians: A Muslim might face religious discrimination, but in some societies, they might hold more privilege due to their cultural majority.
• Left-handed compared to Right-handed people: Right-handed people may find everyday tools more accessible, but left-handed people might be considered more creative or unique.
• White Women compared to Black Males: A white woman might have racial privilege but may experience gender discrimination, whereas a black man might face racial discrimination but could have privilege due to his gender.
• Transgender people compared to Disabled people: A transgender person might face challenges in society, but they could still have physical abilities that a disabled person lacks.

When you consider all these intersections, it becomes clear that everyone holds some form of privilege, and everyone is disadvantaged in some way. This leads to a paradox: if everyone has privilege, then no one can be considered truly privileged. In essence, this makes the concept of privilege as used by SJAs almost meaningless.

“Let the One Who Has Never Sinned Throw the First Stone”

This biblical principle is an excellent way to illustrate the hypocrisy in the privilege argument. Just as Jesus suggested that only those without sin should judge others, the same can be applied to privilege. If everyone has privilege over someone else, then no one is in a position to judge others based on their privilege. It’s a call for humility and self-reflection rather than moral superiority and judgment.

The Absurdity of Infinite Intersectionality

The concept of intersectionality, when taken to its logical conclusion, becomes a cynical and nihilistic rabbit hole. If we continue to divide people into smaller and smaller groups based on their intersecting identities, we end up with an infinite number of categories. This leads to constant competition over who is the most oppressed and who has the most privilege, creating division rather than unity.

In reality, intersectionality can never provide a clear answer or solution to social issues. It is impossible to rank people’s experiences of oppression and privilege in a fair or consistent way. The constant focus on who is more privileged or oppressed only serves to create more division and resentment rather than fostering understanding and solidarity.

The Underlying Agenda: Marxist Ideology

At its core, the application of intersectionality by SJAs often serves a deeper agenda—one that seeks to undermine existing societal structures to rebuild them based on Marxist values. By constantly highlighting differences and promoting the idea that society is inherently oppressive, SJAs aim to create a sense of perpetual conflict and dissatisfaction.

This conflict-driven approach aligns with Marxist ideology, which views society as a struggle between oppressors and the oppressed. By encouraging people to see themselves as victims of an unjust system, SJAs can push for radical changes that align with their ideological goals.

A Practical Guide to Respond

When faced with accusations or criticism based on the idea of privilege, here’s how you can respond effectively:

1. Acknowledge Complexity: Recognise that intersectionality makes human experiences complex and that everyone has different forms of privilege and disadvantage. This diffuses the idea that privilege is something only a select group has.
2. Highlight Contradictions: Point out that if everyone has privilege, then it’s unjust to single out individuals for criticism based on their supposed privilege. Use examples that show how different identities intersect in ways that both advantage and disadvantage everyone.
3. Promote Unity Over Division: Emphasise that focusing on our shared humanity and common goals is more productive than dividing people into endless categories. Encourage discussions that bring people together rather than those that pit them against one another.
4. Challenge the Agenda: If appropriate, question the underlying motives behind the constant focus on privilege and oppression. Ask whether these discussions are truly aimed at improving society or if they serve a more radical, divisive agenda.

Conclusion

While intersectionality and privilege are concepts that can help us understand the complexities of human experiences, they are often misused to create division and conflict. By exposing the contradictions within these ideas and promoting a more unified approach to social issues, you can effectively challenge attacks from Social Justice Activists. Remember, everyone has privilege in some way, and using this as a weapon against others is not only unfair but counterproductive to the goal of creating a more just society.