McIntosh's "White Privilege" talks about how many white individuals who may come across as oppressive often do so unconsciously. From an early age, whites are “taught” not to recognize white privilege while at the same time benefitting from such a notion. McIntosh calls it an “invisible weightless knapsack of special provisions, maps, passports, codebooks, visas, clothes, tools, and blank checks”. In listing areas McIntosh notices she is privileged in brings up points one probably does not think much about.
Number 4 and 10 on McIntosh’s list mentions not having the fear of being followed or harassed while out in public or not having to worry so much about financial reliability. A friend of mine often jokes about not having good enough credit to buy a new car or asking who will walk him to his car from school in fear of being jumped. He’s 6’2” and could bench press me if he wanted to and yet he jokes about things like being jumped. Whether or not he is truly joking is unknown but it will definitely make me think twice about saying he’ll be fine because I really don’t know whether or not something like that could happen. I don’t have to worry about that as much and I haven’t faced situations of that nature because of my white privilege. BuzzFeed posted an article highlighting 17 Deplorable Acts of White Privilege. (http://www.buzzfeed.com/michaelblackmon/17-harrowing-examples-of-white-privilege-9hu9#.jq8K8GaNp)
Something I can’t help but wonder after reading this article is if teaching white children about white privilege is beneficial for them or not. White privilege can be like a protective blanket for whites, blocking them from the harshness of the world. But is it worth hiding them from the truth about their privilege or should they be well aware from the beginning how and why they are/can be treated differently than someone who isn’t white. Its something, as a future educator, to think about.
Do you believe that by educating children on why they are treated the way they are because they are white, they could become more aware of how to treat people of color or a separate race? Or perhaps be more respectful?
ReplyDeleteI found this article interesting. I understand your point of view about educating the students about white privilege. It probably won't make a difference ,the students today usually do not look at people as black or white. I believe they see everyone as humans and not for their color. I really like the image you used in this blog.
ReplyDeleteInteresting read! I like your notion of teaching young white children of the advantages of white privilege. Maybe teaching them at a young age would end the cycle of white privilege. Only time will tell. Well written!
ReplyDeleteI really like your connection to your friend and how you connected it with this article! It really makes your post interesting and your own! Also I like your thought on teaching white children about their white privilege and i definitely think that it would help slowly decreasing the white privilege in our society.
ReplyDeleteI really like your connection to your friend and how you connected it with this article! It really makes your post interesting and your own! Also I like your thought on teaching white children about their white privilege and i definitely think that it would help slowly decreasing the white privilege in our society.
ReplyDeleteI think it is a very good idea to educate young people about white privilege. Perhaps then they will not go through their lives, as most of us do, oblivious to white privilege and just accepting everyday advantages.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed your post - especially ending it with the question on whether or not it is worth it. Honestly, I believe that there really is not anything to lose by trying. If as educators they bring this lesson to their students and they happen to hear what is being said and understand and apply it then it only makes them better off in society. If they dismiss it and go on or do not fully understand hopefully someday it will click but nothing is truly wasted in the effort. Best case educators have taught students a little more respect for each other and brought some understanding - worst nothing changes
ReplyDeleteLove your point of view about McIntosh's article. I have to say that teaching white students about white privilege is worth it. They'll be more aware of what they receive and earn in life compared to what others get instead of being oblivious to it. It will make them think "Did I truly deserve what I got?" or "Did I work hard enough for this?". It is basically the opportunity to see what is really just and what is unjust in this society.
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