How One Teacher Taught The Class A Powerful Lesson About Privilege

Originally published on BuzzFeed and cross-posted here with their permission.

I once saw a high school teacher lead a simple, powerful exercise to teach their class about privilege and social mobility. The teacher started by giving each student a scrap piece of paper and asked them to crumple it up.

Then the teacher moved the recycling bin to the front of the room.

The teacher said, “The game is simple — you all represent the country’s population. And everyone in the country has a chance to become wealthy and move into the upper class.”

“To move into the upper class, all you must do is throw your wadded-up paper into the bin while sitting in your seat.”

The students in the back of the room immediately piped up, “This is unfair!” They could see the rows of students in front of them had a much better chance.

Everyone took their shots, and — as expected — most of the students in the front made it (but not all) and only a few students in the back of the room made it.

The teacher concluded by saying, “The closer you were to the recycling bin, the better your odds. This is what privilege looks like. Did you notice how the only ones who complained about fairness were in the back of the room?”

“By contrast, people in the front of the room were less likely to be aware of the privilege they were born into. All they can see is 10 feet between them and their goal.”

“Your job — as students who are receiving an education — is to be aware of your privilege. And use this particular privilege called “education” to do your best to achieve great things, all the while advocating for those in the rows behind you.”

Want to learn more about privilege? Please read the following Everyday Feminism articles:

• Privilege 101: A Quick and Dirty Guide
• True Solidarity: Moving Past Privilege Guilt
• The Importance of Listening as a Privileged Person Fighting for Justice
• How To Talk To Someone About Privilege Who Doesn’t Know What That Is

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Nathan W. Pyle is the author/illustrator of NYC Basic Tips and Etiquette. Please follow him on Twitter at @nathanwpyle.