White Privilege
McIntosh describes 'white privilege' as "an invisible package of unearned assets that I can count on cashing in each day, but about which I was "meant" to remain oblivious. White privilege is like an invisible weightless knapsack of special provisions, maps, passports, codebooks, visas, clothes, tools , and blank checks" (qtd. "White Privilege"). It is a certain advantage, given solely due to skin color, that gives privileges to the dominant group members, Whites, while creating disadvantages for the minority members that they must reckon with as functional members of society. As male are carefully taught not to recognize male privilege, so McIntosh insists that she too was taught not to recognize white privilege. Yet, careful introspection results in the recognition of many key points that highlight the power of white privilege, a power that is not earned, but simply a birthright given due to race, much as male privilege is given simply because a child is born male ("White Privilege"). These key points illustrate basic concepts that those born of this privilege often take for granted. Those who are White can arrange to be in the company of other Whites, whenever they desire and they can avoid spending time with others who
Society members with white privileges do not have to worry about these social atrocities. Wage inequality is the most blatant of examples of white privilege, but it comes in other forms as well. And, when these items are paid for, their skin color will not negatively affect their appearance of being financially responsible ("White Privilege"). Hispanic men earn 81 percent of the wages earned by white men at the same education level. Whether it be simply the ability to move into any neighborhood desired, and being able to feel comfortable, or shopping without store clerks monitoring one's perusal, waiting for a theft to occur, or even the availability of merchandise that are specific to one's race, from food to hair care products to Band-Aids. Those who enjoy the benefits of white privilege do not have to fear their race will negatively affect them if they are subjected to the scrutiny of authority. As an example, those looking for Hispanic or Asian culinary items are often relegated to a small section of one aisle in the local supermarket, or, if they are lucky, have to shop at a specialty market, featuring ethnic selections. It is often difficult and uncomfortable for Whites to consider the concept of white privilege. This belief in colorblindness helps Whites justify today's contemporary racial inequality. In contrast, minorities see themselves in the media simply as the perpetrator of some social evil. Despite efforts to end discrimination, regretfully, it is still a concern in today's society, and as such must be a concern for parents children born of a minority race. In contrast, those of other races, moving into an area occupied by those with white privilege often are met with a negative attitude, even before their new neighbors get to know them. Those with white privilege can enjoy shopping without being harassed or followed.
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Acceptance Essays
