Playing the Game of Privilege is mental masturbation - it only feels good to those playing the game.
In "Bad Feminist," Roxane Gay critiques the concept of privilege, suggesting that engaging with it can be a self-serving exercise. She argues that those who benefit from privilege often focus on their feelings rather than the real issues faced by marginalized individuals. This form of reflection, according to Gay, is ultimately unproductive, as it does not contribute to genuine understanding or change.
Gay's observation highlights the disconnect between the privileged and those who experience systemic inequities. By describing the exploration of privilege as "mental masturbation," she implies that it offers little more than a fleeting sense of satisfaction to the privileged, diverting attention from the pressing realities that need to be confronted and addressed for true progress towards equality.
