Possibilities of Privilege | Jason Browne | TEDxCamden

Discover how your privilege can be a powerful strength at TEDxCamden with Jason Browne's 'Possibilities of Privilege,' where he explores leveraging it for Personal Growth, Equity, and Empowerment. Through Empathy and Awareness, this talk dispels stigma and champions Cultural Competency, challenging us to transform privilege into a tool for impactful Social Change and fostering supportive communities with meaningful impact. Passionate about storytelling, Jason Browne expertly merges radio, marketing, and public speaking to engage global audiences. Jason has spoken on over hundred stages, addressing leadership, privilege, and diversity. Committed to crafting a better world, he champions positive change, with deep dives into DEI to discussions on space travel, Jason's approach intertwines seriousness with fun. His guiding principle: "Use what you love to fight what you hate.” This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx

[@tierneyeducation]

I love this perspective. Thinking about the possibilities can move the world forward.

[@thejasonbrowne]

That's the hope. It starts with a shift in perspective. And maybe a few shakes ;)

[@loverlylady392]

I second this!

[@bigmeana]

Usually the discussion of privilege is something that most people tend to gear away from. However, this perspective of privilege and what we can all do to help shape a better world was incredibly insightful and very well done!

[@thejasonbrowne]

Thank you! So much has gone into having us not talk about it; hopefully, by reshaping our definition, we can start having more dialogue.

[@bigmeana]

Well this is definitely a great way to start.

[@angelasteco3489]

Thank you for painting a picture with your stories! As a visual learner, this was incredibly helpful.

[@thejasonbrowne]

Thank you! I usually use finger paint. I switched it up for this one😄Matthew J Simpson was the animator who brought this to life. Talented friend.

[@Jenson21]

Appreciate the shoutout brother. Thanks for the reminder that I ended up inside the wall lol

[@thejasonbrowne]

*awkward laugh* Funny how the person who threw you into the all forgot about that detail i mean... it sounds like your gymnast skills kicked in lol 🤣🤸‍♀🤸‍♂🤸

[@loverlylady392]

Thanks for making me think 🤔

[@mauricebrowne6377]

Fantastic presentation. The association with personal life events brings realism and life to this presentation. It is a topic few like to discuss but a reality that has a powerful influence on society. Thought provoking information that sits silently in the minds of most of us. Great delivery.

[@SherriCarmean]

What a thought provoking presentation about privilege. Imagine a world where millions of people use their privilege to help others. Thanks, Jason, for helping me view privilege through a new lens. I plan to shake the POP.

[@thejasonbrowne]

Right! The collective force would be a sight to behold. What are the first 3 things you would want to see done with that collective usage of privilege? Oh, and I can't let me know what kind of POP you are gonna use lol😆

[@davemrea]

This is truly the way to start breaking down barriers when it comes to talking about privilege . So many people get defensive when the topic is brought up and think it’s something that can only bring shame to them, as opposed to something they can recognize and try to use to help others. Thank you for this thought provoking presentation!

[@thejasonbrowne]

Thank you! Shame seems to be used too often to "inspire" action. Motivating from a place of positive action feels more natural, IMO. Why do you think people get defensive?

[@davemrea]

@@thejasonbrowne I’m guessing people get defensive for different reasons, but I’d guess a lot of people have trouble accepting that people they know and love (or maybe even themselves) have privilege(s) that they may not have thought or known about and feel like having privilege means everything in your life is easy and think that since other parts of their life are challenging that it must not be true. I think people who are raised around a group of people who are mostly like them and who feel similar ways that they do can make them feel like their viewpoints are 100% correct because that’s the viewpoint of the vast majority of people they interact with

[@thejasonbrowne]

@@davemrea You make a lot of great points. It's true that acknowledging privilege can be tough, especially when it conflicts with personal challenges. The environment we grow up in, surrounded by like-minded individuals, can reinforce our beliefs and make it challenging to see beyond our own perspectives. This "group think" is a barrier I forgot to consider!

[@productioncompany6554]

Thought provoking informative and creative. The use of personal experiences makes a dramatic difference in absorbing the message. Outstanding Mr. Browne

[@thejasonbrowne]

Thank you!

[@productioncompany6554]

This presentation helps put privilege in perspective. Well rehearsed, creatively delivered with personal close to hope examples most of us can relate to. Congratulations to a well written and performed presentation. Hopefully it will inspire others to rethink their perception of Privilege.

[@JuleeBarry-qq8kh]

Definitely gave me a different perspective. Thanks Jason for the insightful talk. Can’t wait to share

[@thejasonbrowne]

Thank you! Bonus points if you also send a bottle of pop with the link. 🍾

[@brendabrowne1959]

This is a new way of looking at privilege and also makes us realize that many of us don't recognize our own "privilege". We only see what others may have and not see the many privileges we have ourselves, and how we can be using those resources in helping others.

[@thejasonbrowne]

Yes! It is easy to compare and identify the lack of certain privileges. Even though it is a bit more difficult, maybe... just maybe... if we focus on the ones we have and use them collectively, we can make a difference for ourselves and others.

[@BrianRusch]

So stoked to see finally see this! Love thinking about how we can all acknowledge our privilege and use the possibilities of using that privilege for good!

[@thejasonbrowne]

Thank you Brian! Coming from someone who does this all around the world this means a ton.

[@thejasonbrowne]

You have such a global perspective. How would you suggest concepts like this to be more widely accepted?

[@lavinialovo1389]

Becky sent me here 🎉 - got me thinking about what privilege really means to me. You’re right it “creates guilt “ and soooo much anxiousness as an over thinker. Good listen 💯

[@thejasonbrowne]

Thank you! I'm also an overthinker - I totally get it. They are difficult to overcome, but knowing them is half the battle as they say :)

[@beckygiblin4198]

So excited to finally get to see this ❤

[@joshuadolezal9261]

Glad to see this getting broader reach, Jason. An inspiring message and welcome!

[@thejasonbrowne]

Thank you! Coming from a great writing coach like you, that means a ton. 🙂

[@zemby02]

What a lovely way of putting it!

[@donoconnell7225]

Great talk. Gets you thinking.

[@kathrynfahy5365]

Using privilege for good should be the norm and your perspective will hopefully enlighten and remind people of this as you share your stories and message. Well done my friend! You always know how to push our thoughs and mind sets further for good. Great message. Fabulous presentation. I look forward to more thought provoking discussion and inspiration!

[@awrebelsAWRebels-vq3hc]

How do you think this could be come the norm?

[@thejasonbrowne]

Thank you!!!

[@scottfoster2107]

Hi Jason, it's great to see you using your platform to bring such an insightful perspective on privilege. As someone who values personal responsibility and the power of individual action, I appreciate your message about turning privilege into a tool for positive change. Your talk highlights how we can use our advantages to support and uplift others, fostering stronger, more resilient communities. It's inspiring to see how you've framed privilege not as a source of guilt but as an opportunity for growth and contribution. Keep up the fantastic work, and thank you for challenging us to see the possibilities in our privileges!

[@NaomiVailima]

I was sent here by Beckyy. Definitely has reshaped my pov of privilege, shaking up the bottle doesn’t always have to have a bad meaning to it 🙌

[@thejasonbrowne]

Thanks Becky!!! Shaking the bottle can be fun when done right :) Is there something specifically that reshaped your perspective?

[@enzoematrix4168]

OMG Jason!!!! You did such an amazing job. Extremely engaging, you totally drew us in from the start. You gave some amazing insight into such an important subject. Your brand of POP woke me up faster than a Jolt Cola 🤣. I had no idea we had so much unfettered access to such a genius this whole time. Truly amazing and eye opening!!!

[@thejasonbrowne]

Thank you, friend! Lmao... I remember JOLT. Oh those were the days. Really appreciate you watching and sharing your thoughts. Big smiles over here. 😁

[@kimberlytierney522]

Outside the box thinking, as always! Love this.

[@thejasonbrowne]

Outside the bottle thinking 😉😄

[@trishhumm]

Jason, what a brilliant way to turn a topic that folks avoid into a call to action for all of us. Well done. (And your presentation skills are super engaging!)

[@thejasonbrowne]

Thank you so much for the compliment! Curious minds want to know... what is one way this call to action might impact you?

[@trishhumm]

@@thejasonbrowne Two things right off the bat. 1. Stop assessing other people’s privilege and focus on my own. And remember to evaluate my privilege in different settings since it’s fluid. 2. There are elections coming up. I plan to use my vote to support those whose liberties are at most risk. Also, sharing your message within my circle of influence to encourage other to reframe their discussions around privilege.

[@thejasonbrowne]

@@trishhumm This is so true! Sometimes, we forget that voting is a privilege. Many people in the world don't have a chance to cast a fair vote.

[@thejasonbrowne]

What is one takeaway that will stick with you?

[@tierneyeducation]

We should use our privileges for good and not just push them away.

[@jasonbrowne209]

Privilege is a probability! Love the analogy with the video games.

[@awrebelsAWRebels-vq3hc]

I gotta visit India at some point. Sounds humbling.

[@jasonjames3098]

Privilege is a strength

[@GiveEvolve]

Bring a map if I go to India lol

[@drkylepeck]

Thanks, Jason. This is an important message, articulately crafted and delivered. I like that it does more than make viewers aware of their privilege, but challenges them to do something WITH it. I also liked the acknowledgement that privilege is situational. In every context the dynamic changes, as your visit to India pointed out. Thanks again for sharing this, and doing it so well.

[@thejasonbrowne]

Thank you for the kudos! Have you ever had a situation where you felt like the situation amplified or diminished your own privileges?

[@drkylepeck]

Yes, on both ends of my career. As a new Assistant Professor I felt my privilege elevated by a very well known icon in the field, and as a community member on a University task force, years after my retirement, I felt elevated again by a skillful female leader who positively reflected on a comment made by this ancient “outsider.” As a confident/arrogant white male, diminishing experiences have been less common. The one that came to mind first was a series of comments from another well known professor in the Q/A session after a conference presentation.

[@jimeberly5772]

Great presentation. Thought provoking view on privilege.

[@thejasonbrowne]

Thanks Jim! As a trainer of many groups, how would you suggest creating conversations around this topic in a way to be sustainably productive?

[@lecgirl]

This is a powerful take on privilege! Such a great way to flip the conversation and help folks approach the concept in a new and empowering way. It's inspiring to think of the ways we can leverage our unique identities, skills, and place in the world to uplift those around us. Thanks for sharing this perspective.

[@basirvincent4995]

This is an interesting view of how someone can think about the privilege they have and actually utilize it for good.

[@thejasonbrowne]

How do you think this could be taught? If useful, how would you suggest to share these concepts?

[@comedianjamestierney4963]

I love the comedy sprinkled into this talk.

[@thejasonbrowne]

I got hit in the head with a can of Coke today... Don’t worry, I’m not hurt. It was a soft drink.

[@Jenson21]

Still watching this!

[@carolhorner]

Great message Jason!

[@thejasonbrowne]

Thank you!! Any favorite take aways?

[@carolhorner]

The idea that our privileges could/should be seen as responsibilities.

[@HughMose]

An excellent presentation. I especially liked the "pop bottle" reference.

[@thejasonbrowne]

Thanks Hugh. Hope that makes the next soda pop you have a little bit more delicious 🙂

[@enzoematrix4168]

I didn't realize it came out already!!! Im totally watchiythis tomorrow when i wake up in the morning. 🍿🍿

[@thejasonbrowne]

Thanks homie. I'll post with the Rebels 🤠

[@donbedell5533]

Great perspective on privilege!

[@thejasonbrowne]

Thanks Don!!!

[@Caltron-jh5yb]

Perception of money is wild. Money buys POP for sure but you are correct money can't afford all pop.

[@thejasonbrowne]

Money can't buy all the POP... or the cheese. 😀 but money can buy a LOT of it.And hopefully, those who buy a lot of it use it to help others.

[@strategiesforjustice5779]

Identify your P.O.P❤

[@tierneyeducation]

How do you think this relates to a college classroom?

[@awrebelsAWRebels-vq3hc]

If one is privileged enough to be in a college classroom, then they could provide someone else facilitated access to all the tools they have access to. Let's say my friend needs to get industry data because he is starting a business but doesn't have the money for some of the data, then I could help give him that info. Don't know if that's allowed but that's what I would do. Or maybe simply just help someone else get into a class they really want.

[@amirulislam200-u3r]

good🎉🎉🎉