Privilege is a concept that makes many people uncomfortable. Acknowledging privilege means recognizing advantages held at the expense of others. It is usually a characteristic that’s inherited and beyond our control. Those who have privilege may be oblivious to it while those who don’t are constantly aware.
Social Justice
Due to certain social structures, you may have or lack privilege based on race, gender, sexual orientation, ability, religion, wealth, class, or body shape and size. Privilege from these characteristics shines a light on where power is out of balance. Our society upholds systems like white supremacy, patriarchy, heteronormativity, ableism, and fatphobia. Awareness of privilege isn’t intended to place blame, guilt people, or disregard their accomplishments. Having awareness of the privileges we do hold is crucial to using them for social justice.
Thin Privilege
As a body image coach, I’m here to talk about thin privilege. Our world is designed for, catered to, and elevates thin people. Thin privilege applies to anyone living in a straight-sized body (size 14 and under in the US). People who fall at the higher end of the spectrum may not consider themselves thin but still have relative privilege. Straight sized bodies have greater access to resources and face less discrimination than people who wear plus sizes. Non-discriminatory healthcare, clothes, airplane seats, and equal access to employment are just a few of these resources.
‘It is thin privilege that installs the belief that if someone cannot fit in a chair at a restaurant, their body is the problem, not the manufacturer who made the chair or the restaurant owner who chose it.’ – Sonya Renee Taylor, The Body Is Not an Apology
Some people mistakenly believe that having privilege implies a life free from suffering. All my life I’ve nearly resembled society’s body and beauty ideals. Yet, that doesn’t mean I didn’t also struggle with my body image. While I will never understand what it’s like to live in a fat body, I can listen and learn with compassion.
Intersectional Privilege
I say this while acknowledging that I hold many privileges. I am white, straight, cisgendered, able-bodied, young, English speaking, middle-class, and college educated. Everywhere I look I see myself reflected back. The media I consume represents people who look like me. No one has ever assumed I’m unhealthy because of my body size. I can enter a clothing store and find my size without any trouble. I can fit in an airplane seat without worrying that the seatbelt won’t fit.
Awareness of these privileges has grown my compassion for those with marginalized identities. I can use them to advocate for others and elevate their voices. If you’re reading and can tell me whether I missed something, please let me know!
Dignity, Respect, and Equitable Treatment
Injustice creates a societal imbalance that no one benefits from. ‘Thin privilege’ emphasizes the fact that dignity, respect, and equitable treatment shouldn’t be reserved for select bodies. Everyone of any size deserves these basic rights. We have the opportunity to transform political, economic, and social environments.
If you feel passionate about social justice and want to know more about thin privilege, you’ll want to read my blog post, ‘How Do You Define Health?’. It will debunk some common myths our society holds about health that create privilege for some and oppression for others.
