'Check your privilege'

Fair point Nell. I personally think Afro hair is beautiful. But I understand that some woc probably feel pressure to adhere to certain patriarchal "beauty" standards. If I'm understanding correctly, does some of those standards come from other woc? If so that's sad. I'm going to make a huge assumption here that some of those setting the standard are the social media influencer types.

I wish sometimes I could go up to every young woman on the planet and tell them how beautifully unique they are. But that would probably be hypocritical of me because, it's ultimately something that you need to learn for yourself. That comes with age.

Well the straight vs curly privilege is just beyond ridiculous.

(And others who have also seen this as a joke.)

I would guess its about the specific politics and care of afro hair, rather than just 'whose hair is currently most fashionable?'

For the uninitiated: There's a huge amount of (varied, complicated) moralising about what constitutes 'good' afro hair - fraught with current and historic racism. Different textures of natural afro hair will be met with different levels of tolerance.

It's a bit like how the experience of saying 'fuckit, I won't shave my legs any more' isn't the same for a fair English woman as it is for a dark-haired middle eastern woman, for example.

Exclusively seen it used by women to men.
Although I would expect trans (male) activists probably use it to women as well.

"Check your privilege" was always bullsh*t destined to become a joke phrase.

The pushback was usually on "it isn't privilege" and then some SJW would the patiently and wrongly explain that something required for basic human rights (a job, adequate nutrition, decent schools, law and order, dignity) was "privilege".

Unlike a human right, privilege is an item that can be taken away. When privilege is taken away it goes to those with even more privilege, not to those without. People understand that even if they've never had a civics, poli sci class in their life.

One of those phrases destined to piss people off to the point where they make fun of it.

I'm not sure that it does alienate the privileged though. In fact, I had a bit of an eureka moment a few months ago, when I realised how bloody privileged I am. I'd always thought of myself as being generally pretty oppressed (so many minorities in just one human!) and then I realised that bloody hell, I have it so much easier than so many people because of my privilege. And that doesn't come with pride or relief- it makes me want to make the world a level playing field.

Hmm. I have heard it used sensibly, and it has been said to me and has actually made me re-examine and give things more thought.

Me too, though actually not the exact phrase. But I've been reminded that my perspective was off.

Privilege does blind us. This is true. I'm white. I'm straight. I've never experienced poverty. I have heaps of privilege and it gives me blind spots, which I can do my best to correct by listening to other voices but yeah sometimes my perspective might be off. I think it's a really good thing to be aware of, though I don't agree with the use of the catchphrase by itself just to shut other people up. You have to also explain your point and what it is that you think they missed.

I do think it can be useful to be in mind of the barriers some people face in our society m because of something outside of their control such as sex or race, there are huge inequalities and I'm not surprised people get angry about it. But the phrase 'check your privilege' has served to further the victim mentality of individualism which makes no real progress in solving inequality by alienating the privileged 'oppressors' who are in the positions to make changes.

But who decides who has the privilege?
Is there privilege people in charg3e of privilege rankings
Or would that be privileged

Hmm. I have heard it used sensibly, and it has been said to me and has actually made me re-examine and give things more thought.

I used to see it on Jezebel a lot, about 10 years ago when I was posting on there.

It was a race thing, then.

Well it’s regularly used to shut up, especially privately educated in my experience. Far more often than I have seen it used against women actually.

Thanks Tea.

Is it more of an American thing than a British one? I've never heard it over here, just references to it.

I find it's rarely used by anyone any more, except men who want to define feminism as dedicated for the service of men.

Bahahahaha. (Applauds Chewy)

The bald people check down below to discover everyone has had curly privilege all along.

Ah just saw YouTube reference.

Well the straight vs curly privilege is just beyond ridiculous. The privilege would shift entirely depending upon the fashion of the day. I say this as a straight haired person who submitted myself to dreadful 80’s perms. Where do bald people fit on the privilege scale?

If you heard that discussion in person I’m in absolute awe of your ability to maintain a straight face.

It means, "Bow down to me, cur! I am higher than you on the victim hierarchy!"

It's only used by people drunk on mean girls power. In my experience. I now stay away from all forums where it's used, and my mental health is all the better for it.

Have a listen, it's only 2 minutes long. It is indeed hilarious.

@Dragon3 I think 'check' means examine and investigate in this turn of phrase. So, 'have a deeper look at your own advantages in comparison to many others'.

I hear it being used against white women who refuse or forget to consider that BAME (black, Asian, biracial etc) women have always been advocates for equal rights. And I understand that: BAME women have to fight against racial and gender inequalities, so two multifaceted battles at once. At all times.

Have also heard it against mothers of many children from mothers / parents undergoing IVF.

Have heard it used against SAHP by working parents. Because it is such a daily delight to be an unpaid skivvy

Have heard it used against someone with a PhD when she had mentioned someone else's deficiencies in thinking through a problem.

Have heard it on You tube by curly naturals using it against loose curly naturals and straight haired women.

It's out there.

I think it means I see myself as more oppressed than you so consider my opinions sacrosanct. Generally it comes alongside no interest in understanding the other point of view but a need to win the debate.
Has been put to good use by TRAs.

Does 'check' mean 'examine whether you benefit from unearned privilege' or 'whoah there, rein in that privilege'? I have never understood.

Lol. Love check your irony. Perfect.

Yes, I’ve generally seen it directed towards men too. But it is being thrown out to women more of late. Especially the “naughty” ones that dare to have an opinion.

The irony is the ones screaming it are generally very comfortably middle class and university educated. I’d love someone to say that to me... they would certainly receive the verbal education their uni failed to provide