White Priveledge

White Privilege: Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack

Peggy McIntosh, in an essay entitled "White Privilege: Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack," developed a list of ways in which white people enjoy certain privileges over minorities. White privilege is a sociological concept which describes advantages white people have that non-white people in the same social, political, and economic society do not have. It differs from racism or prejudice in that the person benefiting from white privilege does not necessarily hold racist beliefs or prejudices themselves. However, the term white privilege does imply that that there are opportunities and conveniences available to people who have white skin that go undetected. In essence, they are given unearned benefits that are often taken for granted.

Peggy McIntosh states that, "racism is something that puts others at a disadvantage, but one of its corollary aspects, white privilege, is something that puts me at an advantage." She continues to bring up an important point in that describing white privilege makes one newly accountable. Thus, one now has to consider ways in which we can lessen or end it. Throughout reading McIntosh's essay, I was forced to think about the extent to which I benefit from my skin color, gender, and the society I was born in. I came to the conclusion that I disagree with Peggy McIntosh. Our concept of race is equally shaped by social norms and expectations, which are based on historical events and current practices. I found that her list focuses on the opportunities provided for people and does not focus on individual actions. I do not deny the fact that inequality is an ongoing fight in our society, but I believe it is due to stereotypes, racism, and discrimination. The success of an individual may be attributed to a person's intelligence, family support, and hard work, not because a person is born with white skin. Every person has the ability to create their own opportunities regardless of where they are from or the color of their skin.

Peggy McIntosh raises the question on how we are to lessen or end it. It is my opinion that as an educator it is my responsibility to foster an environment that promotes understanding, affirmation, and respect for people from diverse background. Peggy McIntosh does bring up an interesting point, "most, of our white students in the United States think that racism doesn't affect them because they are not people of color; they do not see "whiteness" as a racial identity." Whites must also be included as one of these diverse groups, and their cultural practices must be examined in the same way. This means talking explicitly about white history, culture, and politics alongside the discussion of Asians, Latinos, African Americans, and so on. In essence we must increase educational equity for all students. It means challenging students academically,