Published on: 11/26/2014IST

Anuj Tiwari Last updated on: 11/26/2014, Permalink

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If you’re reading this, you’re probably enjoying  quite a few privileges that you may not even be aware of. You may even take what you have for granted: such is the nature of privilege.

It can be a hard thing to understand, even for adults. But one high school teacher found a wonderfully simple way to explain it so that all of his students got the message. Don’t miss this brilliant lesson!

One high school teacher decided to teach his class about privilege, so he made a simple exercise. First, all the students received a piece of paper and crumpled it into a ball

Then, the recycling bin was placed in front of the classroom

“You represent the country’s population, and everyone has the chance to become wealthy and reach the upper class”

“All you must do is throw your paper balls into the bin while sitting in your seats”

Of course, students in the back of the room had it worse than the ones in front, and complained about this unfairness

Everyone threw their ball and many (not all) students in the front made it, and only a few in the back made it, as expected

“The closer you were to the recycling bin, the better your odds: this is privilege. Did you notice how the only ones who complained were in the back of the room?”

“But people in front of room were less likely to be aware of their privilege. They only saw 10 feet between them and their goal”

“You are students receiving an education, and your job is to be aware of your privilege. Use this privilege called ‘education’ to try to achieve great things, but also to advocate for those who are behind you.”