Nature, Privilege, and Us - Unit 3
Though usually without even noticing it, everyone carries privilege in varying degrees. Defined by Dartmouth's Office of Pluralism and Leadership, privilege is the unearned advantages or benefits given to people based on their social group affiliations, typically reinforced by systemic structures (Dartmouth College, n.d.). Within the framework of nature interpretation, privilege is ubiquitous; it influences who may visit natural environments, whose tales are shared, and how inclusive these experiences feel.
Growing up, I never really gave any consideration to how privilege affected my relationship with nature. My middle-class background gave me access to school field trips that strengthened my connection to the environment, parks, and family camping trips. But that wasn't the reality for everyone, and my brother's experience truly let me see things differently. My brother has NF1 (Neurofibromatosis type 1), a genetic condition that resulted in a speech impediment and needed extra educational support. Since there weren't always resources for him, my parents counted on my sister and I to assist him with his schoolwork. Imagine how much more difficult it would have been for my brother to benefit from and enjoy outdoor excursions and programs if they weren't accommodating to his needs.
From the textbook (Chapter 7, Serving Diverse Audiences), I realized that being an interpreter isn’t just about what you say - it’s about who you’re saying it to and how you make them feel included. Being able to communicate in English, having access to nature as a child, or even having the time and resources to consider a profession in nature interpretation are all examples of privilege manifested in the tools we carry. Growing up, I've always had a strong appreciation for the environment because of my family's camping excursions and school field trips to different parks. However, those opportunities are not available to everyone. The textbook really hit home how important it is to make sure interpretation is inclusive - because what’s the point if it only connects with people who already feel like they belong?
As a university student, I've witnessed how education can shape privilege. I've had the opportunity to assist elementary school students in courses such as math and French, which reaffirmed my belief that not everyone has equal opportunities to improve their abilities or study topics of interest. Nature interpretation is no exception; who learns about environmental conservation and participates in outdoor activities is frequently determined by criteria such as socioeconomic status or educational access.
So, what does this imply for nature interpretation? It entails sharing tales that represent diverse experiences, developing initiatives that are accessible to individuals of all abilities, and consciously making everyone feel included. Small changes, such as ensuring that trails are wheelchair accessible or planning sensory-friendly activities, can have a big impact. And, to be honest, sharing personal stories, such as how my brother's difficulties affected my perspective on inclusion, might help people understand the human side of interpretation.
Nature interpretation is all about meeting people where they are. It’s not just about the environment itself but about how we invite people into those spaces. Privilege plays a huge role in this - it shapes who gets to feel comfortable in nature, who has access to it, and whose stories get told. Whether it’s making programs accessible for someone like my brother or sharing stories that reflect the lived experiences of different communities, it’s about creating a sense of connection. When we take the time to recognize our own privileges and think about who might feel excluded - and actually do something about it - we make nature a place for everyone, not just the lucky few. And honestly, isn’t that the point? To help everyone feel like they belong in something as big and beautiful as the natural world?
My brother exploring one of the forest trails near Sherman Falls (Hamilton, Ontario).
References:
Dartmouth College. (n.d.). Introduction to power, privilege, and social justice. Retrieved from https://students.dartmouth.edu/opal/education/introduction-power-privilege-and-social-justice.
