At its simplest,  we understand privilege in terms of, having more access, opportunities, resources, power and influence over others, and that this position often gives that person, the ability to say and do things that others can not.  

Whatever your political opinions, two examples of recent white men in power come to mind. 

Donald Trump and Boris Johnson, where behaviours that would not be tolerated in the work place. Like inciting people to riot, using racist and sexist terms. Lying to Parliament or breaking government rules are excused or even excepted. 

But the idea of privilege is way more complex than that, there are so many factors that impact the chances you have in life.  I often reflect on my now visible disability (using a wheelchair), being a privilege over when my disability was lest visible,  its the same disability, It just impacts my body differently because of other factors. I don’t have to explain my needs, as much. having a hidden disability made me avoided of engaging has having to explain or ask for help. But the physical presents of a wheelchair creates a levels of understanding. However there are still daily miss conceptions, and ablest behaviours.

When my disability was more hidden, the behaviours were still there, just manifested themselves differently.  From being looked at for using the lift rather than the stairs at work, to agreed reasonable adjustments not being followed through. 

And now I can mobilise on my feet, but prefer to use the wheelchair when outside the home, because I can go some much further, do some much more and not feel as tired or in pain like I did before.  This choice is questioned, misunderstood as lazy or even attention seeking. When in-fact in terms of optimising my energy to engage in the occupations, I need, want and are required to do makes so much sense.  

OK OK I hear you, what has your ramblings got to do with Beyoncé, well I’m getting to that.  I guess I wanted you the reader to be thinking about privilege in its broadest terms, and have some examples of everyday ableism before I start to dis the idol that is Beyoncé.

The amazing group of women that founded AbleOTUK have become a daily support system,  and our WhatsApp group is a place to share ideas and thoughts for events and projects but also a place we can air our frustrations. 

Today one of the group shared this Guardian article

The article opens with 

‘Beyoncé has confirmed that she will remove an offensive term for disabled people from the lyrics of her new album, Renaissance, after it was called “ableist” and “offensive” by disability charities and activists.’ 

It goes on to describe a similar incident in June made by singer Lizzo. When Australian writer and disability advocate Hannah Diviney tweeted about the inappropriate use of the word when viral. Resulting in Lizzo apologising and removing the word from her song. 

The term used which is slang for describing a person with cerebral palsy (one of my disabilities) is widely offensive in the UK, however, in the US still appears in more common use.

The story closed with information that The UK disability charity Sense had tweeted their disappointment in Beyoncé used this term, even more so just a few weeks after it already hit the headlines in another artists song.  But later praised the singer for listening to the feedback and agreeing to rerecord the lyric,  it even went on to say “Beyoncé has a history of championing inclusivity,”

Should we join in the praise that someone has listen to feedback and changes something?  Well yes of course,  given the examples of two white men in power above.  Who continue to not listen and not apologise for behaves and use of language that has been harmful.  It’s refreshing to see that others can show a better example and admit their mistakes.