Sandi Pniauskas wrote:
> I have an objection to power when it becomes an abuse of privilege.

For me, that is a meaningful distinction. I would opine that it also 
imposes upon us a responsibility to reflect on our own privileges. It is 
very easy (and I do not say this in an accusatory tone) to fix upon the 
privileges that are being abused by others, and forgo self examination.

As a white male, I have privileges (notably of gender and race) that I 
cannot refuse, no matter what I may do. So, it seems to me, that I ought 
to be working first and foremost to dismantle the very privileges from 
which I personally benefit, before I take aim at the abuses others 
perpetuate.

I have parlayed my privileges of gender and skin color into privileges 
of class and education. That is a powerful foursome. As a surprise to no 
one, I am fairly healthy in general, and have access to very fine care 
should I need it. I need not give any of these privileges even the most 
fleeting of thoughts in a typical day. And, I cannot get rid of any of them.

It raises a question in my mind - how can I say I'm against all these 
disparities when I take advantage of them on a daily basis? And, I 
repeat, I cannot (by that I mean unable, impossible, cannot be done, as 
opposed to meaning unwilling) refuse delivery on the privileges.

So, I find myself in the same camp as Sandi, but a bit perplexed by the 
stark incongruence of what I say I believe and my mindless acceptance of 
the privileges I have while not, I hope and trust, behaving in an 
abusive manner.

Bill B.

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