After reading the article
“Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack,” I realize that most of us are oblivious to
the unearned privileges that we have due to our gender, race, etc. America is
known for its diversity, and we embrace this diversity, but we do not provide
equality for the diverse. I chose to make my list on my unearned privileges of
being able-bodied. I think a majority of us do not understand how lucky we are
to be born without a life-changing defect. It is obvious that the world caters
to those who are able-bodied.
1. I can perform daily physical activities such as
walking, running, or riding a bike.
2. I have the ability to be physically fit. I can go
to the gym and do any of the weight machines, work out on the cardio equipment,
or even go for a swim.
3. I have multiple access points to each and every
building.
4. I can apply for just about any job, from desk
worker to construction worker.
5. I can participate in any recreational activity
for fun. I can play sports, go hiking, fishing, etc.
6. Speaking of sports, I can go to sporting events
and sit in any row without being in the way of someone. I don’t have a
designated area in the back.
7. There’s always room for me to sit at a restaurant
or movie theater.
8. I can purchase any type of vehicle that I want. I
don’t have to worry about it being able to fit a wheelchair.
9. Public transportation isn’t a hassle for me. I can
take any bus and not require any extra work from the driver to strap me in.
10. I can go to an amusement park or carnival and
ride any of the rides that I want to.
11. I don’t have to worry about having special
equipment installed in my home for the disabled.
12. I can take a shower at ease and clothe myself
without problems.
13. I don’t have to worry about the medical expenses
and equipment expenses that I would require if I were handicapped.
14. I don’t have to constantly rely on others to
help me.
15. People don’t stare at me and feel
sorry for me in public.
I thought that the reading "Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack" was very interesting as it talked about racism from an entirely different point of view. Where as most Americans view racism as an unfair advantage for people of races not white, Peggy McIntosh introduces viewing racism as the unearned advantage of white people, as well as the fact that the only way to make this system fair would be for those who have the upper hand to give up their unearned privileges. I too chose to do my list of unearned advantages on being able bodied:
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2. I can run away from danger whether it be through a forrest, across a lake, or between small spaces with out worrying if my wheelchair/helper can as well
3. I can go anywhere I want in public, and not worry about being judged for a physical handicap
4. I can ask for things/favors, and not wonder if the other person is doing as I ask on account of pity
5. I never have to worry about people pointing or talking about me behind my back because of a physical handicap
6. I can go into any store and try on clothes completely by myself with out it being a hassle and without it being a hard ordeal(i.e trying on pants in a wheelchair)
7. I can enjoy participate in any sport I choose
8. I can walk up and down stairs
9. If I am in a rush for something, I can count on getting ready in less than 5min, and running or driving to my destination with ease
10. I do not have to worry about whether a house or house of a friends will accomodate my needs
11. I can go to any social event with out feeling as if all eyes are on me in a negative manner
12. I never have to feel guilt for a care taker/parent for having to help me from place to place
13. I can go to the gym, pool, track, and exercise my legs with ease
14. I never have to feel the need to do something in order to compensate for my lack of physical ability
15. I can sit comfortable on a bed, under a desk, on a couch, etc and stretch my legs
16. I can try on shoes and walk around to see how they fit/feel/look