If you are white, you have been a continuous recipient of white privilege over the course of your life.
If you are white, you may have an adverse reaction to the assertion in the previous sentence. The topic of white privilege is a slippery, complicated one. Discussing white privilege often makes white people uncomfortable.
If you are white, I am here to make you uncomfortable. This column will attempt to flesh out the ideas surrounding white privilege.
Just because you think you have not actively exercised your white privilege does not mean that you have not benefited from it. In fact, white privilege is so institutionalized and embedded in our culture that most of us white folk don’t even realize we are benefiting from the color of our skin. The thought that white life is normative and not privileged further reflects how deeply ingrained white privilege is.
Perhaps this will clarify.
Here are two less obvious, everyday examples of white privilege: If you are white, do you think about race on a daily basis or even multiple times throughout the day? If not, you are the lucky recipient of white privilege.
If you are white, have you ever claimed to be “colorblind” or “not to see the color of people’s skin”?
Having the opportunity to fool yourself into thinking that you are colorblind [in the sense of race, that is, because even literally colorblind people can distinguish shades of skin color] is, again, white privilege.
Some white people make an effort to ignore or overlook race; people of color, however, are constantly confronted with and reminded of race. Since whiteness is “normative,” many white folk attempt to place themselves in a race-less bubble. However, white people are the only group of people who can even begin to ignore their racial identity.
Now, if you are white like me and have come to terms with the fact that you have, indeed, been the lifelong recipient of white privilege, you may ask yourself, “What do I even do with this privilege?”
Personally, I made the executive decision to manipulate my white privilege to benefit people of color. This is a complicated goal.
I was recently in a situation here at Allegheny where there was a clear issue of institutional racism. Even after bringing this to the attention of various administrators, the racism intertwined with my situation was overlooked and dismissed. This frightened me. I had tried to use my white privilege, my voice as a white woman, to draw attention to the fact that institutional racism had occurred but I failed. I was ignored. I began to wonder if my plan to manipulate my white privilege was a realistic one.
So, how do white people combat their white privilege? I am not entirely sure. Since the privilege is WHITE privilege, no matter how hard people like me try, there can never be a transference of power. Even the sheer notion that privilege needs to be bestowed upon people of color by a white beneficiary is highly problematic.
Nonetheless, I have concluded that education is one of the only venues through which white people can actively manipulate their white privilege to benefit people of color.
White people generally have access to better education. Since education is something that cannot be taken from a person once the process has been completed, white people could use their white education to pursue even MORE white education at an institution of higher learning which (let’s face it, unless we’re talking about a Historically Black College or University) is predominantly white. White people can then use this education, placed so haphazardly on their alabaster shoulders, to teach low–income areas and help close the achievement gap which is, after all, a racialized issue.
But this is the thing about manipulating white privilege: you can’t let the white people know that you are using your white privilege to benefit people of color. That makes white people angry. You have to be covert. You must, to use the cliché, be a wolf in sheep’s white clothing.
Only then can you maintain your white privilege and have the narrow opportunity to upset the delicate racial equilibrium propagated by whites.
Jessica R. McGrady is a member of the class of 2010. She can be reached at [email protected].
Randomperson • Mar 15, 2010 at 8:16 pm
I agree that the article was written in a way that might be seen as inflammatory to some people, but I don’t think that means one can dismiss the valid points that Jessica makes. With anonymity, these discussions tend to end up with people throwing poorly veiled insults. Take a step back, and breathe.
I would like to direct people’s attention to another article on white privilege, one that I find enlightening and perhaps others will find it less self-righteous.
Its called:
White Privilege: Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack
http://www.cwru.edu/president/aaction/UnpackingTheKnapsack.pdf
Anne Jones • Mar 15, 2010 at 6:01 pm
As a professor, I’m astonished at predominance of negativity in this “conversation.” Why is there so much apparent vitriol, hostility, hatred, rage, anger–the list goes on–behind so many of these posts? Are there issues you aren’t talking about? Can you address them directly?
Or do some of you have productive ideas that address the issue of white privilege? masculine privilege? economic privilege? Allegheny College privilege? Let’s hear them. And let the combat go. LIves and minds are short-circuited by hate.
Concerned student who is actually a minority • Mar 12, 2010 at 3:10 pm
Jessica, your article is so poorly written and presumptuous it makes me want to vomit. GET OVER YOURSELF.
Steve • Mar 12, 2010 at 12:14 pm
I can’t wait til I leave this school. Condescending, self-righteous people who are offending without even knowing it, and then won’t shut up about it. There’s nothing worse than someone trying to lecture you in order for them to feel better about themselves.
Elizabeth • Mar 12, 2010 at 11:35 am
I don’t think that Jessica and Allison recognize that the people who are reacting negatively to this article are not doing so because they are racist, as you seem to want to label every white person. Rather, they are angered because of the way it is written. Satire exists, but your attempt at it is dreadful.
I am sure you are going to argue that you are not calling us racist, and tell us that we simply have an undeniable privilege because we are white. Regardless, you imply that unless we do something to actively bridge the gap between white privilege and people of color, we are worthless, terrible people. However, I think people should reach out to others because we feel morally inclined, not because of the color of our skin.
Like Maggie commented, I agree that somewhere in this article is a valid point. But the righteous tone is overpowering your argument. This is causing people to act defensively, not because they are angered by their “white privilege” as you intended, but because you seem to be accusing everyone born with white skin as somehow thoughtless and completely uncaring. Many people serve less fortunate others. However, most people do not feel the need to be publically recognized for this. Perhaps people are already trying to make a difference and you are ignorant for overlooking their attempts.
Jessica, I don’t know where you are from, who you know, or what your involvement is with so-called underprivileged colored people, but I have a feeling that once you leave the bubble that is Allegheny College, your righteous efforts to help people of color will not be so well received. People of color would probably be insulted that you think your white privilege makes you more competent to represent them than they ever could themselves. Because you so adamantly acknowledge the white privilege you possess, you would probably come off as racist to most people of color. And frankly, I would not blame them for thinking that.
Allison • Mar 12, 2010 at 10:18 am
Kyf, Jessica isn’t saying it is the job of white people to save people of color. She is pointing out that white people experience privilege based on their skin color and that despite the progress made with civil rights there is still a great deal of white privilege prevalent in society. The only way to change that is to directly address the issue and make it clear that people are aware of this continued privileged treatment and will not stand for it any longer.
As for the ES 110 project, no one thinks it was intentionally racist. The point is that aspects of it were racist, but because we do not address or educate people about those specifics things (the painted dolls) the creators of that project never thought the project would be taken that way, nor were they aware that it could be. That is a failing of our society and educational system. As Maggie Rich pointed out, “…do you remember learning anything about African/African-American/Black historical figures beyond the strictures of slavery?…if a student is to challenge this lack of any teaching outside of a Eurocentric world view, what would be the likely response? As with many authority figures (teachers, parents, administrators, etc.), the answer would most likely discourage that child from confronting critical ideas of race. Rather, the student would be asked to not speak about race, as it is not something regularly confronted in an educational setting.”
Talking about race makes us uncomfortable, and that inability to address it has created a huge issue.
I think the real reason people are so upset about this article is because it makes us recognize that, while we may not be racist, there are still racist issues in our lives. That makes us feel defensive, because no one wants to be perceived as racist or narrow-minded. We need to realize that recognizing that you are privileged doesn’t mean you are a bad person or had a choice in that. It means we need to learn more and get to the bottom of it so we can do away with this idiotic preoccupation with skin color.
Jessica McGrady • Mar 12, 2010 at 9:33 am
Also, there seems to be some confusion about the phrase “people of color” and its implications. Let me illuminate:
person of color (plural: people of color; Commonwealth English: person of colour) is a term used, primarily in the United States and Germany[1], to describe all people who are not white. The term is meant to be inclusive among non-white groups, emphasizing common experiences of racism. People of color is preferred to both non-white and minority, which are also inclusive, because it frames the subject positively; non-white defines people in terms of what they are not (white), and minority, by its very definition, carries a subordinate connotation.
Jessica McGrady • Mar 12, 2010 at 9:31 am
Actually, Kyf, I was NOT referring to the ES 110 project; the incident I’m referring to is much more recent and involved a faculty member. I can see you are still very sensitive about that. Don’t make assumptions.
Also, I think you would be surprised to know about involvement that I’ve had in the Meadville community pertaining to helping with education. Furthermore, my future plans also actively address the issue of the achievement gap. That’s the point of this column: you need to acknowledge white privilege and then do something about it. Again, instead of trying to target ME, why don’t you tell me how you would like to see the issue of white privilege handled.
Kyf • Mar 12, 2010 at 8:36 am
I cannot imagine mcgrady being an ounce more condescending and pretentious. Have we missed the point? Or have you?
I’m pretty sure I know about the incident in question. Ironically, when I heard about your reaction to the incident, I was amazed that YOU had missed the point. Completely. It seemed as though you were just searching for racism….perhaps instead of attacking students who very obviously had no intention of being callous towards “people of color” as you so endearingly term them (us?) you could have handled the situation maturely and used all of your righteous rage to understand the project and help those who were truly in need – those suffering in areas filled with the refuse of wealthy Americans, AMERICANS, a combined country that can be bigger than race.
Let me give you a lesson in satire. Anyone who does not pick up on my undertones please let me know.
Dear Jessica,
As a person of color, I was so happy when I read your article. You are brave, brave to try to educate all of these ignorant upper middle class white people who have no idea what they have grown up with. I can only hope that a select few manage to understand the true meaning of your article and go back to help my poor oppressed family in low income areas. I am so so grateful for your sacrifice. Everyday I feel oppressed, such as when alla these white people think it is cool that I am their friend purely based on skin color and when people assume that I am good at math. Some might suggest that a better outlet for your anger would be actively creating programs to help specific people and getting people involved (there are a lot of low-income, poorly educated people in Meadville, but a lot of them are white so they can just use their white power to negate that) and raising awareness about feasible ways that people can help now, but I think this is very stupid.
Love,
Kyf.
Allison • Mar 12, 2010 at 8:03 am
“Now we’re personally accusing commentators? That’s hardly constructive or conducive to a discussion.”
It wasn’t an accusation, it was meant to question where Ryan’s anger in regard to this article is coming from. Also, I do not see how the statement is any worse than Ryan’s claim that Jessica’s right of free speech should be revoked or his sarcastic and insulting “letter from Reason.”
AC • Mar 12, 2010 at 1:47 am
“Maybe it hit a little too close to home?”
Now we’re personally accusing commentators? That’s hardly constructive or conducive to a discussion.
Allison • Mar 12, 2010 at 12:45 am
“Let me begin by defining “privilege” as per Merriam Webster Dictionary: “a right or immunity granted as a peculiar benefit, advantage, or favor.” It may seem as though your statement has a somewhat paradoxical feel to it. If you have more privilege, do you not have more capabilities than a black person?”
The point Jessica is making is that white privilege is not granted to whites because they are better in any way, but simply because they are white. Also, I do not see how the definition invalidates Jessica’s point.
“Correct me if I’m wrong it seemed as though you implied that only the privileged whites can carry such a burden of helping the people of color.”
No, she is saying that white people should use their education to promote equality, just as people of color do. Jessica is not implying that people of color are incapable of educating themselves, she is stating out that educated white people should not ignore racialized issues. White people do not always realize that they are privileged or being given preferential treatment. Awareness is key.
‘ “Personally, I made the executive decision to manipulate my white privilege to benefit people of color.” -This statement alone set back the advancement of people of color by at least 20 years. I could write a book about that quote alone.’
Really? Care to give us a summary?
“After reading this article, I became very interested in hearing about this “institutionalized racism” in which administrators “overlooked and dismissed” the issue. Judging by the audacity and pure ignorance of this article I must come to the conclusion that they did not merely dismiss it, but rather laughed at it because it was something completely absurd.”
Like most issues of race at Allegheny, it was probably swept under the rug and rationalized away. How nice for you that you don’t want to hear about it and that you think the administrators at this college are so moral that they would never ignore a problem. Also, what exactly is “absurd” about this article? Jessica is addressing a problem and eloquently at that.
As for your “WRITTEN SARCASM [BEING] HARD TO PICK UP,” your ignorant comment is “a slap in the face for anybody who knows how to read.” There is a difference between being obviously sarcastic and selecting terminology that is subtly sarcastic. People are perfectly capable of picking up on written sarcasm. Heard of the New Yorker?
Ryan, you seem hellbent on deliberately misreading the article. Maybe it hit a little too close to home?
Jessica McGrady • Mar 12, 2010 at 12:39 am
Dear Ryan, where do I begin? Let’s break down the definition of capability.
Webster’s Dictionary:
capable
having the ability or capacity
Again, I reiterate, I do NOT have more ABILITY (or capability) than any Black person. Capability is an innate status rather than an acquired one. The capabilities of people of color and white people are the same. Thus, I stand by my original statement. Try defining the actual word in question next time. Privilege does not equal capability. They are two very different terms. Privilege does, however, give white people the opportunity to exhibit their capability more often.
Also, let me show you what specific comment I was specifically replying to: “This article is very condescending. What makes you think you’re more intelligent and capable than any black person…” Since Katie specified which racial group she was questioning me about, I replied with said specificity.
Your speculation about the incident or institutional racism is just that–speculation. I do not care to share specifics. I feel they would be lost on you anyway.
As far as “written sarcasm being hard to pick up” goes, if this were the truth, why does satire even exist? The fact of the matter is that you read what you wanted to read. I find it interesting that many of the comments are more or less personal attacks directed at my viewpoint rather than a response to the existence of white privilege and how to deal with said privilege. This shows that most of those who have responded (with the exception of Maggie and Kat) have missed the point. This was what I expected. To those of you who have commented, what is your solution? What is your action plan? I have voiced mine. If you don’t like it give me an alternative.
Also, if after reading a piece about white privilege the only thing you want to do is revoke my freedom of speech, it just shows that you are afraid to confront the issue presented in this column. Stop making it about personal attack and try focusing on the issue. Sure, it is easier to sit here and try to find folly with my writing than to confront the fact that our society is racist and pigmentocratic. I am saddened that so many of you took the easy way out.
A side note to Josh: “The fact that nearly HALF of the comments posted are your own suggest you are being a bit defensive…defensive about what, I wonder?” It’s called having a dialogue, Josh. I didn’t want to just write something and drop it. The Campus website is a nice, interactive tool to actually engage the readers. That’s what the comments are here for. I think it would be silly if i didn’t respond to the comments that are intended for me. Also, there are blatant questions within the comments. Take yours for example. Why ask a question if you don’t want it answered?
Ryan • Mar 11, 2010 at 11:35 pm
Jessica, your latest response intrigues me on an unprecedented level. “Also, I am not more capable than any Black person; I simply have been given more privilege.”
Let me begin by defining “privilege” as per Merriam Webster Dictionary: “a right or immunity granted as a peculiar benefit, advantage, or favor.” It may seem as though your statement has a somewhat paradoxical feel to it. If you have more privilege, do you not have more capabilities than a black person? This also conflicts with your very article itself, as you make the statement:
“White people generally have access to better education…White people can then use this education, placed so haphazardly on their alabaster shoulders, to teach low–income areas and help close the achievement gap which is, after all, a racialized issue.”
Correct me if I’m wrong it seemed as though you implied that only the privileged whites can carry such a burden of helping the people of color.
Another flaw in your recent comment: “Also, I’m not more capable than any Black person….TO ALL OF THOSE WHO HAVE COMMENTED: I find it HIGHLY interesting that several of you have assumed that I am talking specifically about Black people.” Wouldn’t it have been correct to say that you weren’t any more capable than a person of color? Because to me it seems like you say you aren’t talking about “blacks” but underneath it all, it seems like you are.
“Personally, I made the executive decision to manipulate my white privilege to benefit people of color.” -This statement alone set back the advancement of people of color by at least 20 years. I could write a book about that quote alone.
After reading this article, I became very interested in hearing about this “institutionalized racism” in which administrators “overlooked and dismissed” the issue. Judging by the audacity and pure ignorance of this article I must come to the conclusion that they did not merely dismiss it, but rather laughed at it because it was something completely absurd.
Dear (whichever deity or general belief system one follows),
I guess in writing this response I was too slow in releasing it to the public, and you (Jessica) continue to babble on in ignorant tone. I might have laughed the most at your pathetic backpedaling by calling your piece a “satire.” There was not an ounce of sarcasm located in this paper, and news flash: even if you were being sarcastic (which you clearly weren’t), WRITTEN SARCASM IS HARD TO PICK UP DON’T YOU THINK?!?! Calling this piece a satire is a slap in the face for anybody who knows how to read.
And on your last statement “This column was meant to force a reaction out of people. I’m glad to see that it did. If you are really angry about what I have said, DO something about it. Take action! That’s the point of this piece: a call to action.” The article forces a reaction, and this is done well. I am angry about what you said, but rather due to your sheer ignorance and your supplementation to the problem you propose. The only thing I want to DO is revoke your freedom of speech.
Sincerely,
Reason
Josh • Mar 11, 2010 at 11:21 pm
Really? Now you’re writing a satire?What, are all of your readers just that dense that they didn’t recognize the satirical bent of your rhetoric? The fact that nearly HALF of the comments posted are your own suggest you are being a bit defensive…defensive about what, I wonder?
Jessica McGrady • Mar 11, 2010 at 11:12 pm
Jane, your points are valid. The tone is purposely condescending to convey the satirical essence behind the entire institution of white privilege. Perhaps none of you are familiar with satire. The words “executive decision,” “my voice as a white woman” and “bestowed” were all VERY intentional choices meant to convey the absurdity behind those ideas and my bitter sarcasm towards the institution of white privilege. The fact of the matter is that, until we figure out how to eradicate white privilege we must, sadly, work within that system; this does not mean we have to completely submit to white privilege, but rather, need to manipulate it (as I specified in my column).
This column was meant to force a reaction out of people. I’m glad to see that it did. If you are really angry about what I have said, DO something about it. Take action! That’s the point of this piece: a call to action.
Jane • Mar 11, 2010 at 10:41 pm
While I think that you have an interesting idea entangled somewhere in this editorial, a truth that should possibly be acknowledged and analyzed for what it is, lines like,
“Personally, I made the executive decision to manipulate my white privilege to benefit people of color. This is a complicated goal,”
cripple whatever you’re trying to say with an unreasonable amount of condescension. I don’t know if you realize how insensitive you sound with your diction, but everyone else does. All these readers have responded negatively because you have communicated your idea in a terrible fashion, and you can’t really deny it when your audience notices.
I also completely agree with the comment above mine.
“I had tried to use my white privilege, my voice as a white woman…”
I feel that your tone implies that you must act in the victim’s stead, that they are incapable of speaking out against the vague injustice to which you refer without your vital assistance.
And the line, “Even the sheer notion that privilege needs to be bestowed upon people of color by a white beneficiary is highly problematic,”
Bestowed is absolutely patronizing to everyone affected by your statement. A person from a minority group cannot earn the type of privilege that you speak of? I disagree.
Jon • Mar 11, 2010 at 10:15 pm
This is the 21st century’s version of “The White Man’s Burden.” It is insanely ignorant and condescending and racist in and of itself. The arrogance and racism it takes for a middle class white girl to believe she can progress civil rights because she’s white is tremendous.
Kyf • Mar 11, 2010 at 8:40 pm
As a person of color by Jessica’s definition
I’m gonna say this article made me laugh a lot
specifically this line
“Personally, I made the executive decision to manipulate my white privilege to benefit people of color.”
what is the point of this article? I literally have to idea. To sound righteous?
Jessica McGrady • Mar 11, 2010 at 7:36 pm
Yes, thank you Kat. Katie, your question was a good one. It’s usually an acronym (HBCU), but I wrote it out for this piece since it is a specialized term that most people probably aren’t familiar with.
Also, I’m not more capable than any Black person; I simply have been given more privilege. Someone has to attempt to level the playing field no matter how unsettling that idea might be–that is, unless you know how to completely erase white privilege. Then there would be no need for people like me and programs like Teach for America.
The fact of the matter is that people of color have to work exponentially harder than white people to achieve the same goals; that is why there needs to be something to offset white privilege.
Also, TO ALL OF THOSE WHO HAVE COMMENTED: I find it HIGHLY interesting that several of you have assumed that I am talking specifically about Black people. I feel as though this is a typical conclusion that many people jump to: that there are only two racial groups in the US (Black and white). Aside from my reference for HBCU’s, I do not specifically reference Black people, because ALL people of color face these barriers.
Kat Bengston • Mar 11, 2010 at 5:52 pm
“Historically Black Colleges and Universities” is correct.
http://ed.gov/about/inits/list/whhbcu/edlite-index.html
Jessi Schatz and I fact-checked the article before it was run.
Katie McHugh • Mar 11, 2010 at 4:22 pm
Why are the words “Historically Black College and University” capitalized? I mean, I know there are proper nouns, but are there proper adjectives, too, now? And the words “black,” “college,” and “university” aren’t proper nouns unless you’re referring to the title of a real college or university.
This article is very condescending. What makes you think you’re more intelligent and capable than any black person, that they need your help to make it this world? You come off as racist as those KKK hicks who burn crosses in people’s yards.
Steve Peterson: Thank you for that comment. Made my day.
Jessica McGrady • Mar 11, 2010 at 10:28 am
Mmm. I find it curious you happened to stumble across a Fred Hampton link. None-the-less, you, too, are missing the issue.
James Hepplewhite • Mar 11, 2010 at 2:47 am
Oh, I see the issue.
You think I’m the person who wrote under the name Fred Hampton. I’m not. I clicked the link from elsewhere and thought, oh, context might be a little helpful. You can ask the Campus editors (Hi Kristin, Kat and Katrina!) to check the IPs if you don’t believe me.
Steve Peterson • Mar 11, 2010 at 1:11 am
Another typical Allegheny white apology letter for nothing. Welcome to the college bubble. This campus needs to move out of the 1950’s already. Go ahead and put your John Mayer CD back on.
Jessica McGrady • Mar 11, 2010 at 1:01 am
James, I am aware of Fred Hampton, however, this is a pretty common name. Only immature individuals such as yourself would feel the need to hide behind an ironic pseudonym.
You are clearly still missing the point. My privilege I speak of is the privilege of RACE… not an economic one. Also, the fact remains that my voice is just that: the voice of a WHITE woman. However, white privilege only recognizes and listens to other people of white privilege (unless you want to get radical like say the Black Panther Party for Self Defense you so frequently speak of). Perhaps you should read more carefully.
James Hepplewhite • Mar 11, 2010 at 12:25 am
For those who don’t know: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fred_Hampton
Anyway, Jessica, you acknowledged your position in the piece, roughly in the middle. “I had tried to use my white privilege, my voice as a white woman.”
Jessica McGrady • Mar 10, 2010 at 11:59 pm
To Fred:
No where in my piece do I (who apparently, even though I never identified as such, am a an upper middle class white girl. I find it intriguing that you assumed my economic background.) assert that I can ever even begin to fathom the horrors of living without white privilege. As a white person, this is impossible.
I must disagree with your statement that “poverty is colorblind.” If this is true, explain the statistics which point to a HUGE racial disparity among impoverished people.
Jessica McGrady • Mar 10, 2010 at 11:55 pm
Maggie,
I do agree with many of your points. I especially agree with the fact that you cannot take your “white” education to a low income area and expect it to have an affect on the students. Consider myself: I am a Black Studies and English major. I plan on teaching History (through a lens that includes a diverse range of races) and English (heavily laden with Black, Latino, etc… authors). If I would have had more word space I should definitely have added your point about how “white education” is not as pertinent to people of color and should, therefore, be adjusted accordingly.
It is not that I am afraid of the anger from white people who discover I am manipulating my white privilege. The problem is that once angry white people find out you’re manipulating your privilege they will attempt to trump your privilege with them. This, as I have recently discovered on our campus through the aforementioned incident, usually works since there are more angry white people than aware white people.
I enjoyed your feedback!
Fred • Mar 10, 2010 at 11:52 pm
This self-indulgent piece reminds me of the news footage of members from Students for a Democratic Society desperate to align themselves with the Black Panther Party, only to be laughed off by said Black Panthers. An upper-middle class white girl will never know what it feels like to grow up a poor person of any color.
There are two issues which the author is confusing here: the first is the difference in being in the ethnic majority versus the ethnic minority. It is a different experience going through life where most people in public look like you than it is going through life where most people in public don’t. That is inherent and immutable. Blame disease for knocking back the native populations, the colonists for breeding like rats, the long-dead slave traders for barbarically importing a whole new ethnic minority (and merging dozens if, not hundreds, of old ethnic groups in the process), and the Founding Fathers for creating a legal framework that encouraged mass immigration for the majority of this country’s history. Today the demographics are what they are.
The other is racism, which is a separate issue. Racism is the reason that a much higher percentage of blacks are poor than whites. Everything else follows from that economic disparity: lower graduation rates, higher incarceration rates, etc. Poverty is color blind. A wrecked home life is color blind. The only meaningful priviledge is being born or adopted into a stable, financially secure family with the means to provide you with the opportunities necessary for success, regardless of what color(s) the members of that family may be.
Maggie Rich • Mar 10, 2010 at 10:52 pm
First, I would like to thank you for writing this article. It makes a space for discussion that is greatly needed.
While I completely agree with Jessica’s explication of white privilege as being something insidious and institutionalized, I think that the conclusion is [accidentally] antithetical to the point of her article. Yes, education is a “venue” in which white people may manipulate their white privilege in a way that does not benefit institutionalized racism. I will argue, though, that taking one’s “white” education back to low-income areas is not actively engaging in the manipulation of white privilege. If one was to do this, they would teaching “white” history and “white” (male) literature. For example–do you remember learning anything about African/African-American/Black historical figures beyond the strictures of slavery? And if so, were they few and far between? Further, if a student is to challenge this lack of any teaching outside of a Eurocentric world view, what would be the likely response? As with many authority figures (teachers, parents, administrators, etc.), the answer would most likely discourage that child from confronting critical ideas of race. Rather, the student would be asked to not speak about race, as it is not something regularly confronted in an educational setting. Unless this teacher were to radically change the expected course work to include discussions of African American studies, the teacher would only be reinforcing the very educational system that she would be trying to combat.
Further, the notion that one can’t let white people know that “you are using your white privilege to benefit people of color” at risk of making them angry is the very same reason [public school] students are not encouraged to discuss race in an educational setting. People are discouraged from challenging what is “normal”, what is valued. From a young age, we learn that questioning authority is not encouraged. In order to make people aware of white privilege, you have to speak out. If you are going to mess with the system, you have to make it loud. People will get angry. This anger should not discourage the discussion, if anything, it should fuel the discussion. It should make the discussion ring louder than the voices of anger, and higher than the voices who discourage change.