The Privilege Walk Quiz Part 3 of 5

The Privilege Walk Quiz

Part 3 of 5

Two weeks to go! Until then, we'll be taking on seven questions from the quiz each week. Explain your answers if you wish, but do keep tally of your points, as we'll share the overall total at the end of week five.

How the quiz works: it's quite simple: for the purposes of these posts, to avoid confusion, we'll be adding or subtracting points, rather than steps. Again... be sure to keep track of your points week to week so you can calculate your total at the end of the 35 questions.

Let's pick up where we left off...

15/ If you are reasonably sure you would be hired for a job based on your ability and qualifications, plus one point. If not, minus one.

This question doesn't address the whole story when it comes to applying for jobs. I received the message early on that I needed to know my place in the world and should never expect to rise above it. Even in theatre, where one would hope talent and skill is valued above all else, I experienced a sort of glass ceiling which I could never break through. I came close twice, but circumstances and my own inability to recognize the opportunity being offered prevented me from taking advantage of the situation. 

That has been true of my professional life, as well. I learned early on not to reach outside the box. That's why early ambition gets squashed and leads to a sort of acceptance/malaise. Why be ambitious if it gets you nothing? Why put yourself out there if the message you keep receiving is 'uh, no?'

I'm claiming minus one for this one. And that is based on what I've experienced. I've found that if I am being considered for a position by an open-minded male or a female, I always have a chance, but traditional, straight, white males? No. 

Having been pawned off on them during reorgs, I have found that such men have no idea what to do with me, or - worse - don't wish to deal with me at all. They would never actually hire me. Therefore, developing any kind of personal relationship, and I mean, something incredibly civil and professional, has always been rather impossible under those circumstances. While never openly hostile, such men have always been quick to believe the worst about me.

-1

 
16/ If you would never think twice about calling the police when trouble occurs, plus one point. If not, minus one.

I live in Minneapolis. In this city, one does not call the police unless shots are being fired. At some point, our police department became militarized. They are rude. They are mean. They do not treat people well, even those on the right side of the law. They are not interested in engaging with the community. They simply want to do what they see as their job and be left alone, which is absolute bullshit. 

I blame the police union. I blame Ronald Reagan and his war on drugs. 

And here's a perfect example. I will keep it brief. This happened last Thursday: It's 9:00 pm. A young black man has jumped my fence and is pounding on my back door... no, no... the one on my house. Focus. 

He was at the convenience store a few blocks away and gang members started chasing him. His dilemma is very real; there have been a number of gang related deaths this summer in this city. He's terrified, but I can't let him in my house. I tell him to hide on the back porch, which has lattice work around it, and I call 911. The dispatcher is responsive; officers will be there within 15 minutes. The young man gives me his Mom's phone number. She doesn't pick up. I dial and dial. 

I tell the young man to sit down, that the police are on their way and I don't want them to hurt him. I am concerned for his safety. Finally the Mom picks up. She was sleeping. She agrees to come pick him up. The young man wants to go stand at the side of the house. I tell him I will unlock the gate when his Mom arrives and he is to stay put -

not only to stay out of sight because of gang members but because I don't want the police to misinterpret what is going on and harm him. Again, I stress that I am concerned for his safety - not just the gang members, but the police as well. The Mom gets there before the police arrive. He's a nice kid. 

The entire time I am trying to decide if I should interact with the cops. They don't like gay people and can be very dismissive. I call 911 back and explain they are not needed, so I didn't need to interact with them, which was a great relief. 

-1

 
17/ If you can see a doctor whenever you feel the need, plus one point. If not, minus one.

I have great medical insurance through my work. It used to be much better, but I remain grateful. I can't imagine not having it. 

I see a nurse practitioner whenever I need to. My actual physician? No. She's way too busy. I'm fine with that. 

+1

 
18/ If you feel comfortable being emotionally expressive/open, plus one point. If not, minus one.

I'm gay. I am always aware of my surroundings and my audience. If I am expressive in a group setting, I immediately regret it and spend time reprimanding myself and examining how what I've expressed may have been received. This is true of social settings and even more true in professional situations. 

While people who do not have the need to censor themselves may write this off as insecurity or mere social awkwardness on my part, anyone who is gay knows exactly what I am talking about, even those with healthy self esteem.

-1

 
19/ If you have ever been the only person of your race/gender/socio-economic status/ sexual orientation in a classroom or workplace setting, minus one point. If not, plus one.

I was the only white person in a college level black history class.

I was the only male in a college level women's studies classes. 

When I went to broadcasting school (Radio/TV) - I was the only gay dude in the school and was totally shunned. It was that unspoken 'thing.' My instructors would constantly ask me if I was sure that broadcasting was something I considered in my wheelhouse. I believe the terms most frequently used to describe my work by my instructors? "Flavorful" and "Colorful."

And no, they didn't mean that in a good way. I could read between the lines.

These courses were all taught in Minneapolis, at various schools in the mid to late 1980's. 

And when it comes to work, at times, I have definitely been "the only gay in the village."

-1

 
20/ If you took out loans for your education, minus one point. If not, plus one.

So... many... loans...

And the path I took to end up with four year degree? What a mess. 

Still, I did manage... but it took a lot and a long time to get there. And yes, it makes a huge difference. There are things you learn in the process of getting a four year degree (which no longer means much these days - everybody has masters and doctorates) you can't learn any other way. And I am not talking about the specifics of your area of study, but how to navigate the world and deal with people. It does build one's confidence. And it does make a huge difference as to how others view you. 

By the way... all those loans? Paid. 

Suck it, Sallie Mae. 

-1

 
21/ If you get time off for your religious holidays, plus one point. If not, minus one.

This doesn't really apply to me anymore. Where I currently work, if you need time for a religious holiday, you are certainly able to get it off. You have to take PTO to do that, but it is granted. 

I don't consider Xmas a religious holiday anymore, but we do get that off. 

+1

(Running tally: -5)

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And that's it for this week. 

I hope you're finding this enlightening. I've appreciated reading your responses in the comments section. You know, it's the whole... "getting to know you" thing.

 Two more weeks of this to go.

Until next time...

Thanks for reading... and participating.

Dr. Feelgood - Aretha Franklin