State Debate Senior Rose Puthumana competes at state debate tournament Feminism and White Privilege Peggy McIntosh addresses white privilege in our society

Exchange Traditions: German Edition

Johanna Kortbuss

“Johanna’s favorite activity was either going paintballing or going to Prom. And she liked how relaxed the classes were. And she loved wearing the uniform.” - Michaela Elsbernd, junior

Sophia Heidbrink

“Sophia loved paintball the most and shopping at Oak Park Mall.” - Devon Graham, junior

Charlotte Louise Behrendt-Richter

“Charlotte liked the food and how nice the people were.” - Blair Allen, junior

Lena Schawartenbeck

“Lena said her favorite thing that she did was going paintballing and she loved Taco Bell.” - Isabella Lightner, junior

Thea Vennemann

“Thea loved paintballing and loved going to Chicago and seeing all the big tall buildings because they don’t have many like that.” - Anna Sell, junior

Josefin Hemker

“She liked the school spirit, paintball, shopping and Taco Bell.” - Jessica Korth, junior

Matthea Losing

“Matthea’s favorite moment was when she went paintballing and her least favorite part was the food.” - Chloe Barrett, junior

Johanna Buntkowski

“Johanna’s favorite part was going to Denver and the horseback riding there.” -Olivia Garrison, junior

Unpacking Privilege

At recent assembly, feminist and antiracism activist speaks about diversity and privilege.

BY MEGHAN KEARNEY A & E EDITOR

The words resonate in the students’ thoughts. It’s not your fault. It’s not your fault that you grew up in a more fortunate household. It’s not your fault that you were born a certain gender or that you have a certain color of skin. It’s not your fault.

These were the words that Dr. Peggy McIntosh, Associate Director on Research of Women at Wellesley College and co-director of Seek Educational Equity and Diversity club, shared at the school assembly April 7 following the diversity assembly just one week earlier.

“I read McIntosh’s paper back in college and then I did a fellowship which was part of me becoming head of school that encouraged me to look at her work on privilege,” Head of School Christina Broderick said. “With all the different talks we have had about diversity, I decided that I would just reach out and call to see if she was available.”

McIntosh stressed the issue that no matter what one’s background is, whether it is a privilege of socioeconomic status, skin color, gender or religion, it is important to acknowledge and understand the privilege one receives through birth.

According to the value system, “one must work for the decent to survive, for therein lies your own best chance for survival,” McIntosh said.

Broderick’s hope for this assembly was to have students receive an educational presentation from a college professor who has deeply researched and studied discrimination and the privileges in our society. However, some had different interpretations of the presentation.

“I think that McIntosh was making excuses for people who are prejudice. I did not agree with some of her ideas and beliefs, but our school received a beneficial opportunity by having such a renowned speaker come and share her reasoning,” junior Katie Donnelly said.

Not only does this assembly relate to the school’s recent push to discuss diversity, but it also relates to Pope Francis’ Ash Wednesday lenten message about his purpose to make sure that people are not content with living in a world of intolerance and injustice.

“[This assembly] is a great way to end the year as it reflects on our true mission, which is to be thoughtful and respectful of all faiths and cultures in our Catholic community,” Broderick said.

The words keep resonating throughout students’ minds: It’s not your fault. It’s not your fault if you are born in a certain gender, race socioeconomic status or religion. However, McIntosh left a lasting impression that everyone has a choice to give up some of their priviledge from birth and acknowledge the inequalities in society.

The question is now up to you to answer: will you allow the world to oppress who you are or will you be the one to make a difference?

Dr. Peggy McIntosh uses the overhead projector to draw a diagram illustrating her understanding of the levels of privilege present in today’s society. McIntosh spoke on race, gender, socioeconomic status and religion. (Photo by Meghan Kearney)