Blog 2: Ability or Social Status

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Over the course of this trip, it became evident the privilege I hold as an American tourist. I would walk into a gas station and see the price for giant water bottles being sold for under 10 dirham and I would think about how much more expensive it would be in the United States. Furthermore, when I would buy a cappuccino for 20 Dirham (roughly 2 USD) and I would think to myself how this is about 6 dollars cheaper than a coffee in the United States. The vast differences in prices between the United States and Morocco showed me the financial privilege I often take for granted.


Another time I noticed my privilege being a United States citizen was through interacting with Moroccans. The majority of the Moroccans I had talked to had oftentimes not left the city where they were born. This was shocking to me as I had been to both of the United States’ Coasts by the time I was 9 while also traveling to numerous cities in between. Hearing this, it furthered my understanding of how not everyone has access to travel, education, and financial stability like most Americans do.


Through noticing the cheaper prices of goods in Morocco, and hearing the lack of opportunities Moroccans have to travel, it truly opened my eyes to the privileges being born in the United States gave me. According to “Unpacking the Invisible Citizenship Knapsack,” American citizens have advantages such as travel accessibility, financial opportunities, and access to many resources. During this trip, these advantages have become apparent as I have many opportunities to not only travel across the United States but also study abroad internationally. Overall, this trip has made me recognize that much opportunity and privilege is related to nationality.

The candy sold at a local gas station in Morocco.


McIntosh, P. (1989). White privilege: Unpacking the invisible knapsack. Peace and Freedom Magazine, July/August, 10–12.  

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