Privilege

On the evening of 19 June, Crossing Borders hosted an enlightening event entitled “Dialogue Dinner” in the vibrant cultural hub known as the Union . This space provided the perfect setting for an intimate and powerful gathering. Ten people from diverse backgrounds came together over a delicious Indian chickpea curry to engage in a meaningful dialogue about the multifaceted nature of privilege.

The aroma of curry filled the room, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere that set the stage for a night of deep reflection and open conversation. As we savored the rich flavors of Indian cuisine, we embarked on a journey to explore different dimensions of privilege – racial, religious, gender and societal.

To ensure that our discussion was both respectful and productive, we established some key group rules from the outset. These included:
– *Active listening:* Everyone had the opportunity to speak without interruption, ensuring that every voice was heard.
– *Non-judgmental:* Participants were encouraged to share their thoughts openly without fear of being judged.
– *Confidentiality:* What was shared in the room stayed in the room, fostering a safe space for vulnerability.
– *Respectful disagreement:* We recognized the value of differing opinions and committed to discussing them with respect and empathy.

The diversity of the participants brought a wealth of perspectives to the table, making the discussion on privilege particularly enriching. We delved into personal stories and experiences that highlighted how privilege manifests itself in different aspects of life. For some, privilege was tied to race and the opportunities or barriers it brought. For others, it was gender and the societal expectations and benefits that come with it. Religious privilege also emerged, with conversations about how faith can either give or deny access to certain rights and freedoms.

One of the most profound moments of the evening was when we realized that privilege is often invisible to those who have it. This led to a collective epiphany about the importance of awareness and empathy in bridging the gaps between different lived experiences. By the end of the evening, we all left with a greater sense of gratitude for our own journeys and a deeper understanding of the complexities that others face.

“Food for Change” was more than a dinner; it was a transformative experience that underscored the power of dialogue to foster mutual understanding and respect. I encourage you to host your own dialogue dinner on privilege. With a commitment to respect and an open heart, you’ll be amazed at the profound conversations that can unfold and the connections that can be forged.

Let’s continue to create spaces where we can share, listen and grow together. After all, change begins with conversation, and there’s no better way to start than over a meal.