If I ever have privileged children–white, male, non-disabled, wealthy, upper middle class, good looking, tall, physically fit . . . I don’t think I would know what to do with them.*
Firstly, and ultimately as a long aside, it’s really absurd to try think of how an education in the social sciences would ever interest this kind of person. It’s not going to be to their advantage to find out why they’re so privileged, and why being “other” is unfortunate, mostly because it’s unfair. They are the perfect fit, as long as they cooperate, to perpetuate the hegemony of the privileged classes. It would both be advantageous to them, and would be really really easy. They wouldn’t have to be actively doing anything with the goal of change in mind, like activists. They would only have to be passive and intellectually lazy, and unfortunately, this may come pretty easily.
For an example of confusion about what to do with a privileged child, should I let a daughter who is really really pretty watch Disney movies? Bizarre thought experiment, maybe.
I object to children watching Disney movies (at least the 5 early princess movies) because I think that they promote ideas about gender, that are really, for me, horrifying. Ideas like: if you’re female, it’s good to be sweet, sing prettily, be honorable, be passive, and most of all, be pretty, and spend lots of effort making yourself pretty. This is the greatest tool to be used towards the ends of finding a wealthy and powerful husband, which is the only end that will make you happy.
We say that these ideas are problematic because they are internalized by girls and then disappoint those girls when they find out that their bodies are the wrong shape, their features aren’t pretty, it’s not psychologically healthy to be persistently passive, marriage takes work and lasts longer than the wedding day, divorce occurs, the wealthy powerful prince doesn’t want you or, whoever you are in a relationship with only wants you to be a maid, a cook, and sexual stimulus. They’re problematic because life works out differently than Disney princess stories for lots of people.
But what do I honestly tell a really privileged child?
Dear beautiful daughter, you have a better chance than most that you’ll find someone who wants to marry you for your beauty and domestic skills. Study the sciences?
Dear athletic and genetically blessed son, your height and experience make a successful professional basketball career more likely for you than most. But reading poetry is useful?
Dear wealthy and upper middle class child, you’ll most likely grow up in surroundings that prepare you for a successful career in whatever-your-parents-have-connections-to. Read political philosophy? It’ll come in handy?
I think I’ve taken this thought experiment too far. (Or maybe it’s valid and brilliant!?!) Confused. Will sleep on it.
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Hmmmmm
I understand what you are saying, but I question your wishing your children to be (or not be) a certain way. The reasoning is similar to a white woman hoping she does not have a mixed race baby. Whatever would she do with it?
I have been attacked both as a minority, and as a (perceived) person with the so-called privilege – and let me tell you, I do not prefer one over the other. It just feels bad to be attacked, for whatever reason. We should all be human to one another unconditionally. Why can’t we be? The idea of privilege is a fluid social construct, and it is just another divisive tool we have invented.