Privilege. For several weeks now, I have known that this important topic needs to be discussed on my blog. But for several weeks, I have pushed it off, for fear of saying the wrong things, offending people, and being misunderstood. The longer I wait to share this, the longer our own biases remain the same, rather than taking a moment to pause, reflect, and better understand the privilege within our own lives.

For a long time growing up, I never realized the privilege I had. My parents always taught us to have respect for everyone, but the actual conversation wasn’t centered around privilege specifically. I don’t think there is anyone to blame or put the fault on, it unfortunately wasn’t a conversation many were having, especially in a white home. The past year has been extremely eye-opening for the entire world regarding racism, privilege, and our own biases. Now as an adult, I have the experience, knowledge, and awareness to be able to recognize my own privilege.

I had the opportunity to learn this past fall from Robin Lacambra, through her course, Sharing Privilege. I am grateful for the team at Barreworks that provided the course to all of their instructors and management staff. Something that will forever stick with me from her was that although we have privilege, it does not mean we have to be ashamed or feel guilty because of it. If we have privilege in any way, we have the opportunity to share it with others. Whether that means opening up an opportunity for someone who may otherwise not be able to have the chance, sharing information with those who may not have access to it, or reaching a hand down to help elevate someone else who in other circumstances may not be able to feel lifted up.

As a white, thin, cis-gendered female working in fitness I have work to do. I continue to diversify the people I follow on social media in the fitness world and beyond, and I strive to create accessible movement for everyone regardless of their race, gender, age, or experience level. The work really never does stop. I know this can get uncomfortable for some. I totally get it. I challenge you to remember one thing when you start to feel that way. You have the privilege to feel uncomfortable and forget about it if you choose to. Others are living it on the other side and can’t turn their phone off or turn their head the other way. They experience it first-hand. The next time you begin to feel uncomfortable ask yourself why. Often times the discomfort sits in learning something that goes against what we have become accustomed to. Sit in the discomfort for long enough to recognize your thoughts and feelings, and then identify ways you can support the others around you.

Privilege can come in many forms, not just race. Through Robin’s course, we watched this video and took this quiz. I encourage all of you to take it yourself. As someone who feels they are pretty good at recognizing their privilege for the most part, I too was surprised at certain things. Things I took for granted that I now understand aren’t the norm for everyone.

I hope that this post was an opportunity for you to look deep within yourself and recognize your own biases and privileges, because we all have them. The goal of me sharing is to not earn praise for sharing my values and thoughts, but simply to serve as a reminder for us all. The world collectively does not become stronger together when those with privilege forget about the others around them. Lean into the opportunities you do have and find ways you can share those experiences and support the community around you. The world will be a much better place when we can learn and appreciate different perspectives and experiences, and most importantly respect them.

Yours in self-discovery,

Rachel