UNPACKING WHITE PRIVILEGE

Definition White Privilege- the unearned, mostly unacknowledged social advantage white people have over other racial groups simply because they are white (Dictonary.com) Simple definition- the unconscious advantage white people receive over races because they are white In today's society, people who are white are favored and/or receive favoritism from others just because of their race (white privilege). It doesn’t mean that white people don’t deserve or earn what they work for, or that they never struggle. It’s just that they are given better treatment when it comes to many things. As Shola M Richards said, “Having white privilege doesn’t mean that your life isn’t difficult; it simply means that your skin color isn’t one of the things contributing to your life's difficulties.” How It’s Seen in Society

1. The advantage of a more positive relationship with the police

With all the Black Lives Matter protests going on, you have to understand the reason behind them. It’s because of the police brutality that black people are facing! Many officers are using unnecessary force towards people who are black, even when they didn’t do anything wrong. On the other hand, white people receive much better treatment. If a white and black person were to commit the same crime, a black person would have the worse outcome. And this also alters the origin of “the talk” from both races (seen to the side):

1. The advantage of more representation in the media

Open up the news. Go back to your favorite TV show or movie. Pick up that book you’ve been reading recently. Check out the models in that fashion magazine you are interested in. If I were to guess, most of the faces you will see will be white. There is a lack of diversity and representation for minorities in the media, which needs to be changed!

1. The advantage of escaping blame

You have to admit, most of the times when a white person does something wrong, whatever it may be, they get forgiven easily. Sometimes forgiving that person is fine, but when what they did is something horrible or disrespectful, you can’t say it's okay that easily. It's as if they have an exclusive escape ticket because of their race.

1. The advantage of not being discriminated against

Forms of hate like sexism and homophobia will always affect the individuals of all races (although if you’re white you are treated better), but think about racism, colorism, and police brutality, just to name a few. Most discrimination is towards minorities! For example, because of their race, black people are in danger of unnecessary force from officers. They were also racially segregated and during the 20th century weren’t allowed to do things like be served at the counters of a restaurant. Additionally, colorism affects all dark-skinned people by encouraging them to despise their complexion. Don’t forget the negative stereotypes and hate they face as well. Hispanics are labeled as illegal, Asians as a virus, Native Americans as savages, and so on. White people can’t relate to this as most of the time there is no prejudice they encounter.

1. The advantage of being ignorant towards racism

It seems like white people get a “free pass” when it comes to the topic of racism. Like because of their race they have the opportunity to be insensitive on the matter. THAT’S NOT TRUE NOR CORRECT. In fact, since racism doesn't affect them, they should use their white privilege to fight against it! These are just 5 instances, but you can read more in Peggy McIntosh’s groundbreaking essay, “White Privilege: Unpacking The Invisible Knapsack.” She lists a total of 50 hidden benefits, from her perspective, of the privilege white people experience in their everyday lives, along with her own understand of the concept and her personal thoughts on it as a white woman. How to support race equality even with white privilege The best thing you can do to support race equality while having white privilege is to ACKNOWLEDGE IT! Understand that, like it or not, it’s something that's automatically been given to you because of your race, which isn’t accessible for other minorities. It might seem uncomfortable to confront if you don’t accept the fact, so that’s why you have to recognize it. After that you really have to educate yourself! Watch videos & documentaries, read the books & the articles! Once you're finished, discuss the topic of race with your white peers (even if it may be weird to do). It's up to you to spark the conversation and spread your knowledge. YOU HAVE TO BE AN ALLY! An ally is someone who isn’t part of the underrepresented group but still stands with them. The website Guide To Allyship lists the do’s of being an ally as follows:

• Do be open to listening

• Do be aware of your implicit biases

• Do your research to learn more about the history of the struggle in which you are participating

• Do the inner work to figure out a way to acknowledge how you participate in oppressive systems

• Do the outer work and figure out how to change the oppressive systems

• Do use your privilege to amplify (digitally and in-person) historically suppressed voices

• Do learn how to listen and accept criticism with grace, even if it’s uncomfortable

• Do the work every day to learn how to be a better ally

Remember that just because you’re white and have white privilege, doesn’t mean you are automatically a bad person. It's wrong to take advantage of the benefits you possess, so try to avoid using it incorrectly and use it for good instead! We appreciate you taking your time reading this week's post!