General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: Do y'all realize how much the Joe Biden "frontrunner" talk smacks of white male entitlement? [View all]EffieBlack
(14,249 posts)Because it's not only white Democrats who are influenced by what I see as a frame based on bias.
Also, I don't assume that the views of white Democrats are necessarily born out of white privilege. My point is that white privilege often frames the presentation of the "facts" that shape those opinion and it often provide the cover and comfort to not see the bias.
For example, I don't think that every white person who thinks that Biden's experience makes him a better candidate for president since I don't think all white people make every decision based on their privilege. I do, however, believe that the frame they've been presented externally is shaped by a narrative that is based on biases and privilege. So when cable tv commentators push Biden as the frontrunner, telling us how wonderful he is, how he has so many great attributes that have earned him a place at the very top of the pyramid - when they have used similar attributes to beat up on women candidates and they don't even consider the potential of minority candidates - that influences thinking, even among the most astute observers.
As for your question about white privilege in general, privilege is not the same as bias or racism. Not even close. Privilege is the advantage that being white or male confers on white folk and men that minorities just don't enjoy. That privilege/advantage is not asked for, it's not your fault, it doesn't mean you are a bad person or don't like black people or think women are inferior, or don't want everyone to have the same rights.
Privilege is the fact that you are more likely than I am to be able to get a cab on on any city street in American. Privilege is not having to hold your breath every time you hear about a shooting or bombing, praying that the perpetrator isn't someone who looks like you since white people don't have to live with collective guilt. Privilege is going through your work day not having to read every word, every gesture and make instantaneous decisions about what they mean and how to respond or not respond - and then be criticized or end up kicking yourself because you may have made the wrong choice
I'll give you an example. Remember during the debates when Trump stalked Hillary around the stage? In her book, she talked about how she ran through all of the possible responses - she could either ignore him, stay focused on what she was saying or she could turn around and tell him, "back off, you creep!" In the end, she decided to ignore him. And then she was criticized mercilessly as weak for not confronting him. But, of course, had she done that, she would have been criticized for letting him get to her, allowing herself to be pulled off focus, overreacting, etc.
When I read this in her book, I actually started to cry because I knew she was feeling exactly what I and many women and minorities go through every day of our lives - only she had to do it on national television and had so much riding on it. When confronted with various micro-aggressions that come up constantly in meetings, in conversations, in other interactions, we are constantly having to read everything in the room, weigh the situation, consider our options and the ramifications ("If I say something and push back, will I be seen as over-reacting, race-baiting, playing the gender-card? But if don't say anything is it going to keep happening, am I allowing myself to be abused, and will I be a sellout and make it harder for everyone else in my position" - all while continuing to think and talk and keep our wits about us.
Hillary had to stand on a national stage while her ignorant thug of an opponent - an unqualified, boorish ass who should never have ever been allowed anywhere near her orbit - lurked behind her in a threatening way and not only speak intelligently and coherently and calmly, but also run through a series of calculations and predictions, knowing that whatever she did would be criticized and run the possibility of letting down millions of other women. In her book, she said that she probably should have said something - in other words, a year later, she was still second-guessing herself. Something white men rarely, if ever have to do.
This, on a smaller, less visible scale, is what women and minorities have to do every day. Most men and most whites never have to do this - at least not on such a consistent basis that it just becomes like the extra job we have to go to every day while doing our regular job. And when we DO say something, WE are accused of playing the gender card or "making it all about race." And, of course, of being racist or sexist ourselves since somehow pointing out racism or sexism is seen by some as racism and sexism itself.
I hope this is helpful in clarifying my point.
And apology accepted.