We can simultaneously experience privilege and oppression

In some discussions around DEI, or even within the organizations advancing in DEI, I observe this divisive tendency: us vs them, the oppressed via oppressors, the privileged vs the marginalized, women vs men etc.

From where I stand, we are way more complex as individuals to put one label on it.

We are not one identity.

We show up in many roles.

We function in dynamics in relation to other people.

We can simultaneously experience privilege and oppression.

An example.

Do men experience privilege?

Yes.

Do men experience oppression when it comes to showing vulnerability, mental health, fatherhood?

Yes!

To me, the individual DEI work is exactly about that:

-       Recognizing those dynamics within ourselves without defensiveness and acting on our findings

-       Using our privilege to leverage others and pointing the attention to root causes of inequality

…and in the same time

-       Getting vocal about the blockers of access that we are experiencing

Everyone is capable of making a change in the area of their recognized power.

I think this is what we should center our discussion around when it comes to the slogan of the #EUDiversityMonth “Focus on what unites us, not what divides us”.

Let’s focus on our powers and on how we can use them to bring us all forward, starting where we’re at.

What do you think?