Privilege

I want to talk about privilege. Privileges are unearned advantages tied to things like race, gender, language, or socioeconomic status — the parts of identity that shape how the world treats us, whether we asked for them or not.

I acknowledge that I have privilege, and honestly, I have a lot of it. I’m white. I speak English. I grew up in Canada, with family who had social and financial stability. These advantages affect the opportunities and safety I experience, even if I didn’t choose them.

I also recognize that Ottawa exists on the unceded and unsurrendered territory of the Anishinaabe Algonquin Nation. As a white girl, part of my responsibility is to listen, learn, and not dominate conversations that aren’t mine to lead. Racism is real, present, and painful. I see how deeply it still affects people every day, and I reject it completely.

I’m writing this blog to reflect on issues that matter. My goal isn’t to center myself, but to use the platform and privilege I do have thoughtfully. I try to be an ally, and where I can, an activist — someone who listens, supports, and uses my voice responsibly, not to speak over others, but to stand with them.