Priviledge, what it is, what it is not

[DonCoquixote]

OK, before I start, let me lay down the following disclaimers, things which many would agree are common sense, but to quote Voltaire "common sense is not so common."

First off: I am not saying that being part of the majority gets you gets a man what he wants, or that it even stops him from being exploited. There are indeed, many white/straight/males that are very much getting the short end of the stick. Joe Bageant wrote about how very often, the same white males that others were angry at were often poor and desperate.

I am not saying that there is any guilt that should be felt, because guilt frankly does not do any good. Guilt tends to stop action, rather than make things happen.

What I am saying is this: if you happen to be a part of whatever group society considers the majority, you will enjoy certain privileges others do not have. Does it mean you will be rich?, no. All it means is that out of all the problems you will have, there are certain ones you will not be as likely to face. It's a small detail, but small details can make the difference.

If people bring up privilege, please, do not always take it as an attack, or a guilt trip. Yes there are people who may play it that way, but some people are just trying to bring up that the powers that be have extended you some things in the hopes that you can be manipulated out of solidarity with others.

[wocaonimabi]

1. As a white male I can say that in my life I have gotten away with many things that a non white

could never get away with.

Even simple things like going shopping, I don't get followed or questioned if I can even afford to shop there.

I can go on with all kinds of anecdotal information but it would be pointless, everyone know it is happening but few will say anything.

Yeah White Privilege has its advantages but the question that needs to be ask is how do those with White Privilege USE that privilege for good or to make positive change?

[nomorenomore08]

2. Standing up to racist assholes, even if it's only online. Letting them know their views are

unacceptable in civilized company.

Also pointing out others' blind spots RE: race, not that we don't all have them, of course.

[wocaonimabi]

7. By not standing up one then accepts that persons actions

as acceptable behavior in civilized company.

Today in America a white male shooting a person of color in cold blood or white males committing mass murder is a perfectible behavior, nothing is done to put a stop to it.

On the other hand in Australia 1 mass shooting and the guns are gone.

The way I see things now as a white male over 50, it is going to take a black male going on a shooting spree in a white school to even do anything about one of the many problems that are a result generations of white privilege in America.

[Heidi]

8. Welcome to DU, wocaonimabi!

Perhaps I'm cynical, but I don't believe a black male going on a shooting spree in a school would have much widespread impact on gun regulation. Most likely, it would just result in that person ending up on death row.

The way I see things now as a white male over 50, it is going to take a black male going on a shooting spree in a white school to even do anything about one of the many problems that are a result generations of white privilege in America.

[Heidi]

3. Here's an example of how privilege can be used to point out injustice.

Last edited Fri Feb 21, 2014, 06:30 AM - Edit history (1)

"Kathleen knew that she walked through the world differently than I did. And she used her white privilege to educate and make right a situation that was wrong. That's what you can do, every single day."

ETA: Thanks to JustAnotherGen for making me aware of this video back in January: http://www.democraticunderground.com/10024379495

[JustAnotherGen]

4. I posted this in an op in January

We have to expand and reflect on the "white privilege" comment or it loses it's impact of what prompted Kathleen-

My comment on January 23rd.

What I love about this - her sister in law who appears white understood what was happening. My mother or husband or best friend would have said the same thing her sister in law did.They would honor the experience and use it as a way to teach someone something about the policies and practices and social construct they live in . . that allow these things to happen

.


Her sister in law appears white. That's the key to her story.

Kathleen - like me - has probably heard, "You aren't black like THAT" in her life too.

[Heidi]

5. That must be where I first saw this video.

I did a quick search and see that I recommended your thread, and I'm so grateful to you for posting it!
http://www.democraticunderground.com/10024379495

Good morning from southern Switzerland, JustAnotherGen!

[JustAnotherGen]

6. Good morning to you!

[Heidi]

9. !

I'm kicking this so that the morning crowd can see the video.