Thursday, August 18, 2005

Since You Asked You have determined, based on your observation, that this person is different. You believe that it's OK for this person to be different. That alone -- the power to decree that it's OK -- is an act of enormous unspoken privilege. There's no way for you and me to escape this. We wield enormous power because we are perceived to belong. Sometimes Cary Tennis really impresses me.  Often, I think (and he'd probably the first to agree) he's more interested in studying his own emotions and inner landscape than solving anyone's problems, but occasionally he completely nails one.  Here's one for everyone who's ever felt like the odd one out at work, or school, or whatever.  The question:  a straight guy, wondering if he should tell the lesbian at his job if he's okay with it.  His response is perfect.  He manages to cover the entire concept of Other and white privilege, very gently nail Mr. Straight Guy to the wall, and still come off as kind.   It's impressive work. 5:47:31 AM     Speak up!  []