The truth is, whilst we use race and engage in forms of racialisation, either racialising ourselves or others, in almost every facet of our lives, very few know what race means. Race is a concept that governs our lives. While it may be easy to view, it is challenging to truly understand what race is and what its significance is. As it will become apparent, race is more than different skin tones, geography and ethnicities; it is a complex system of history, meaning, culture and reality.

Privilege has become a commonly used tool to discuss the complex dynamics experienced by oppressed people and an attempt at acknowledging the presence of structural power. This critical review invites us to think about the limitations of using "privilege" as an analytical position and why assuming privilege in an essentialist manner can be problematic. However, we are not arguing for discarding privilege; it has some uses. Understanding when it's suitable to discuss privilege and when it may not be as suitable helps us be better anti-racist practitioners.