I was struck last evening by an … “exercise” at the University of Michigan highlighted by National Review’s Kat Timpf: the “Privilege Walk Activity.”
I was fascinated because I had to endure this very nonsense a bit over a decade ago.
Check out just what involved in this sillinesscourtesy of UM’s Edward Ginsberg Center. (I’ve selected some random statements from the list and added my own reactions in italics.)
Participants stand in a straight line in the middle of an empty room.
Tell participants that some statements might be of a sensitive nature for some individuals, and that they do not have to respond to any statement that is uncomfortable.Read the statements below.
If your ancestors came to the United States by force, take one step back. (You know what they’re getting at here; notice there’s no statement like “If your ancestors came to the United States to seek freedom and a better life, take one step forward.”)
If there were more than 50 books in your house growing up, take one step forward. (See below.)
If you believe that you were denied employment because of your race, gender, or ethnicity, take 1 step back. (“If you BELIEVE …” Not too subjective, eh?)
If you believe that you were paid less because of your race, gender, or ethnicity, take one step back. (Again, “If you BELIEVE …”)
If you were ever stopped or questioned by the police because of your race, take one step back. (Huh? “Excuse me, sir. I pulled you over because I noticed you are black …”)
If you have ever felt uncomfortable about a joke directed at your gender, take one step back. (If any males stepped forward, you can bet they were met with ominous glares.)
...As might be expected, there is the obligatory disclaimer at the bottom:
IMPORTANT: This exercise can be very triggering, so do not do this activity unless you are sure you have plenty of time to debrief and reflect what individuals experienced during the privilege walk.
Read on.
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