understanding privilege, especially the straight white male kind
White privilege is a sociological concept that describes advantages enjoyed by white persons beyond that which is commonly experienced by non-white people in those same social, political, and economic spaces (nation, community, workplace, income, etc.). It differs from racism or prejudice in that a person benefiting from white privilege may not necessarily hold racist beliefs or prejudices themselves. Often, the person benefiting is unaware of his or her supposed privilege.
Male privilege is a term used to describe the idea that there are unearned rights and statuses granted to the male population in society on the basis of their biological sex that the female population is usually denied.
This term also refers to the often unnoticed privilege that male's possess in living in a world where commonly used words, pronouns, and slang, refer to men and not women.
In legal cases alleging discrimination, "sex" is usually preferred as the determining factor rather than "gender" because it refers to biology rather than socially constructed norms which are more open to interpretation and dispute.[1] Greenberg explains that although gender and sex are separate concepts, they are interlinked in that gender discrimination often results from stereotypes based on what is expected of members of each sex.[2] In J.E.B. v. Ala. ex rel. T.B., Justice Scalia distinguished sex and gender: “The word ‘gender’ has acquired the new and useful connotation of cultural or attitudinal characteristics (as opposed to physical characteristics) distinctive to the sexes. That is to say, gender is to sex as feminine is to female and masculine is to male.”[3] Thus, biologically "male" privilege is only one of many power structures that may exist within a given society,[4] and levels/manifestations of male privilege differ both between disparate societies as well as in different contexts within the same society. The term "male privilege" does not apply to a solitary occurrence of the use of power, but rather describes one of many systemic power structures that are interdependent and interlinked throughout societies and cultures.[5]
Certain aspects of the Men's movement argue that the male privilege is non-existent, since a higher percentage of men work in dangerous conditions as compared to females and are far more likely to be drafted by the military. Men are also more likely to commit suicide and be victims of violent crime than women are. Some even argue that women are more privileged than men.
Heteronormativity is a term describing the marginalization of non-heterosexual lifestyles and the view that heterosexuality is the normal sexual orientation. Instances of this include the idea that people fall into two distinct and complementary categories (male and female), that sexual and marital relations are normal only when between people of different sexes, and that each sex has certain natural roles in life. The heteronormative view is that physical sex, gender identity, and gender roles should, in any given person, align to either all-male or all-female cultural norms.[1]
The norms that this term describes might be explicit or implied. Those who identify and criticize heteronormativity say that it distorts discourse by stigmatizing some forms of sexuality and gender, and makes certain types of self-expression more difficult when that expression violates the norm.[2] Individuals not considered heteronormative include homosexuals, bisexuals, intersex individuals, people who are transgender, and people who are married to more than one partner such as polygamists.
Why is it that when I'm nice to guys they think I'm flirting with them?
Also, why can straight-seeming dudes hit on whoever they please in weird ways, call it "just a joke", and then everything is fine. Whenever I do this I get called a "faggot". Not explicity, but it's definitely implied . . . . . .
I don't know, I'm just sort of tired of Louisville. People can be exclusive whether or not they mean to, and I feel like there is no analysis of any of the things I just copied and pasted . . . white privilege, male privilege (ugh), and straight privilege. Apparently when I bring this up though, I'm just pulling the "gay card" as it were. Lately I really need a community and not just a crowd . . .
I suppose I'm just going to settle for a few close friends and call it a day.