We are often surprised that privileged people appear unable to see their own privilege. This has been very obvious in the last few years in our political scene with comments from Joe Hockey especially showing his total lack of understanding of the life styles of others in Australia. The sense of entitlement displayed by Bronwyn Bishop is a further recent example.
Yesterday we were fortunate to have Dr Michael Kimmel (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Kimmel) in Sydney and I attended three events where he spoke. His messages on privilege were most timely.
Michael Kimmel is Distinguished Professor of Sociology and Gender Studies at Stony Brook University in New York. He is also the executive director at the Center for the Study of Men and Masculinities. An author or editor of more than twenty books, including Manhood in America, The Gendered Society, The History of Men, and Guyland, he lives with his family in Brooklyn, New York.
Here are some clips you may enjoy:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JgaOK74HqiA
Many of the key messages from his talk.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eo6oR73FCXA
Sociologist Michael Kimmel presents what he calls a comprehensive diagnosis of the fears, anxieties and rage of America’s angry white male. He argues that many white men see increased gender and racial equality as a major contributor to their downward mobility. He discusses his research with author of “The End of Men,” Hanna Rosin.
Di's take on life 