apoem: “the hidden danger of privilege”

you confront me

and want me to see

that i am privileged

i agree with you and begin to work on myself

but if ever i disagree with you again about anything else

you assault me

you shit on me

you silence me

you hate me

you kill me

you dehumanize me

and much much more

as you call me privileged

these are crimes of hate of the highest order

and each time they make me wonder who truly had the privilege to begin with

so now i wonder how

we can help you begin to see your privilege now

*For my out of state generous and loving black lesbian friend who recently called in tears to tell me that colleagues of hers told her that her parent’s wealth made her privileged and therefore she could no longer speak to issues of race or gender…and anyone else who has been dehumanized based on privilege theory.  Privilege is always important to point out…but should be used to build up humanity not tear it down by dehumanizing someone you disagree with.