General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: When did pointing out privilege become a personal attack? [View all]Squinch
(50,773 posts)I think for some people, they see the value of their privilege ending. We are moving closer to a place where those things that used to impart advantage (white, male, straight, protestant) are imparting less of a clear advantage. There is still plenty of advantage to being a straight white protestant male, and I don't even suggest that many of these guys weren't supportive of other groups pursuing equality.
But as other groups are gaining ground, that means there is less opportunity for the previously advantaged. It's very threatening. So, though full equality has not been gained by any of the other groups yet, some of the privileged people will feel, "whoa nelly, that's far enough." One way to stop the erosion of their advantage is to deny that the advantage exists. Or to say that they, too, are in a disadvantaged group.
Backlash comes from the same place.