General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: "Straight White Male: The Lowest Difficulty Setting There Is" [View all]Tom Rinaldo
(22,913 posts)It's a valid concept and the terminology is not unfair. But it fits into the same point I was making above. If the point is to accurately describe a behavioral pattern, it works fine. But when instead the point is to promote a dialogue that can lead to positive changes, then the need shifts more toward defusing the "White Fragility" that invariably short circuits the chances of such a dialogue succeeding.
Maybe it shouldn't be that way, but "Fragility" is another word that carries a broad negative charge when used in other contexts unrelated to privilege/advantages. It implies something on the verge of shattering. Again there's some truth in that at times in regards to egos. Talking with you I find terms like white privilege and white fragility constructive in communicating. But a phrase like "White Angst" instead might be less likely to trigger off "White Fragility" in those who are afflicted by it. That of course only matters when you want to "reach them".