I think it’s extremely important to be aware of the certain privileges I possess. Especially when I use such a position to combat, or wield as a tool, against certain forms of oppression I face. For example, my being able-bodied and post-secondary educated can be used, in certain contexts, to resist certain oppression/call people out. My being able-bodied was essential in allowing me to endure the long commutes to University and the often harsh winter snows (along with slushy/icy sidewalks) to be able to obtain a post-secondary education.

Living in Canada where a large portion of my education is covered by the government makes me privileged. As does the fact that I can effectively communicate in English.

However, a WoC brought up an interesting point during an event I attended this week. As a poor WoC, I face daily microaggressions and oppression everyday. I may be educated and able-bodied, but despite that I will constantly be called out to prove my intellect unlike white males. My body is constantly policed and sexualized (as a women), and exoticized (as a WoC).

The privileges I hold do not have the same amount of value placed on them as they do with the dominant groups in society.

So as the WoC stated at the event, some of us may hold certain privileges in society but let’s not kid ourselves, “what we consider an ace, is actually just a three."

**(It should be noted that she stated she was drawing upon Junot Díaz’s work, if anyone was more interested in this)