Written by Lynn Loo, MC, RCC
Existence is political! What does that mean exactly?
At the very base of this is the fact that we all exist within socially constructed systems. Our interactions and experiences are shaped by cultural norms, social scripts, and systemic regulations, all of which impact human behaviour and lived experiences.
What does this have to do with me?
Our identities position us to experience various forms of advantages through power, opportunity, and privilege, or disadvantages through discrimination and exclusion. This is through no individual fault of our own; rather they are a result of the interrelated hierarchies and power dynamics that prioritize certain identities over others.
When you first think of the world “privilege”, you may initially think of race, gender, or sexuality. However, there are other social identities that impact our lives such as class, physical/mental ability, education, age, or religion.
Why do people get so upset at the word “privilege”?
People who have privilege often benefit from systems and societies that prioritize specific identities. This is not to say that people of these identities do not deserve the opportunities provided to them in society, but rather the privilege of certain identities means that there is an absence of obstacles that prevent minority identities from accessing the very same opportunities. People are also often unaware of how they are influenced and impacted by their identities. For those with privilege, when these inequalities are highlighted it may feel like less of a critique of the systems in place and more like an attack on their identities and sense of self, while those without carry the stress of experiencing disadvantages and often also the emotional labour of education.
Identities do not exist in isolation. They are complex, interrelated, and may also change over time. For example, reflect on the experiences of a wealthy, able-bodied 20 year old who grows into an elderly man in a wheelchair living on a pension. Wherever you are right now, imagine how different these identities and experiences are to yours, and the impact it would have on your life. Now imagine navigating these identities in a society with universal healthcare versus a society impacted by war and no infrastructure. What came up for you? What was your first reaction? How did it make you feel about your own sociocultural location?
This is why existence is political. We are all impacted by the systems and societies we live in. And while there are things we cannot control, we can nourish our relationship to our identities. We can make intentional choices in how we show up for ourselves and for others in ways that align with our values.
What are some examples?
- Creating a community in a society that promotes individualism.
- Giving ourselves permission to rest in a society that promotes hustle culture.
- Teaching children to understand their feelings rather than perpetuating gender stereotypes of familiar sayings such as, “boys don’t cry”.
- Choosing to style yourself in ways that affirm your gender identity.
How can therapy help me with this?
We may not always recognize the ways we perpetuate certain ideologies or are impacted by them, but we can work towards the best version of ourselves within these systems. Therapy provides a safe space to explore our different parts, understand our emotions and values, navigate experiences, and challenge held beliefs. This results in developing a deeper understanding and love for ourselves, and equips us with the ability to navigate life more authentically going forward.
If any of this resonated with you, feel free to reach out to our amazing team of therapists!