What is white privilege?
White privilege refers to the preference and benefits that members of the white community enjoy on account of their skin color (“On Racism and White”, n.d).
If you are white, what are examples you can think of where you have experienced and/or currently experience white privilege?
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There are various benefits that white people enjoy owing to their race. Among these benefits are the friendly relations that they have with law enforcement officials. The police tend to be humane and friendly in their treatment of those who are white. Since they constitute a majority of the American population, whites are able to find fellow whites with whom they keep company fairly easily. Other examples of white privilege include the ease of finding accommodation, the ability to travel without undue restrictions and the freedom to commit blunders without suffering judgment.
If you are a person of color, what are examples of being denied privilege due to your color?
Unlike whites who enjoy a wide range of privileges, persons of color are often denied opportunities on the basis of the color of their skin. Being denied access to public facilities, suffering suspicion and harassment by law enforcement officials, enduring discomfort when in the company of people who are not of color, and being denied employment are some of the challenges that the people of color face.
What other kinds of privileges exist in American society, such as male, wealth, beautify, stature, education, last name? How do they provide privilege?
The complex and diverse composition of the US means that there are various kinds of privileges. Males, highly educated people, those who meet conventional standards of beauty and individuals with name recognition are some of those who enjoy privileges. Some of the privileges include being viewed favorably by others, easy access to such opportunities as education and employment, respect and being able to establish connections easily.
Can you think of privileges that change, depending on the social context, such as a deaf student using sign language in a deaf community, or an African American member of NAACP? Provide some examples.
I think that privileges are fairly consistent. However, there are certain privileges which change based on the social context. For example, I think that a highly educated individual would lose their privilege when in a situation where such traits as physical strength and beauty are celebrated. Essentially, when one is thrust into social context that is foreign to their default condition, they are stripped of their privilege. This means that a white man may not enjoy white privilege when in a black neighborhood. If anything, his whiteness may be the cause of his victimization.
What is colorism? How did this idea develop and what are its roots?
Colorism refers to discrimination that individuals suffer because of their skin. It is rather difficult to trace the roots and development of this phenomenon. However, colorism can be linked to slavery. As a result of slavery, the white community established itself as the dominant force in the US while African Americans endured subjugation. Years of discriminatory and unfair laws and practices helped to entrench colorism. For example, the Jim Crow laws reduced African Americans to second-class citizens. Today, such issues as police brutality are compounding the problem of colorism.
What are some examples of colorism within today’s overall American society?
In the modern American society, colorism manifests in different ways. The prejudicial attitudes regarding inter-racial relationship, the association of black with crime and filth, and the glorification as white skin as the standard of beauty are some of the examples of colorism in America today.
To what extent does colorism exist within each minority community in the U.S.? Give some examples.
People of color have endured colorism more compared to whites. For example, black women strive to lighten their skin so as to comfort to beauty standards. Black men are regarded as dangerous and intent on committing crimes. While people of color have borne the brunt of colorism, whites have also experienced this phenomenon. For example, a white man who dates a black girl is likely to receive praise. While the praise is presented as an acknowledgement of the man’s ability to transcend petty racism, in actuality, it is a reflection of colorism.
White privilege vs. Colorism
The worksheet above has identified some of the ways through which white privilege and colorism are revealed in American society. To better understand these issues, an in-depth comparison is needed. The main difference is that whereas colorism is a deliberate evil, white privilege is a reality that is not the result of any willful action. As already noted, white privilege accords members of the white community certain benefits. These individuals have not done anything to earn these privileges neither do they actively seek them. Instead, they find themselves in a society where the privileges have existed for years. For example, a white man who is able to book a rental unit on Airbnb with ease cannot be blamed for this privilege. The privilege is simply the result of the fact that whites are viewed more favorably. On the other hand, colorism results from deliberate policies and actions. For example, those who dismiss the black skin as unpleasing and ugly simply hold prejudices and are unable to appreciate the beauty that all individuals possess.
The difference between colorism and white privilege extends beyond their roots. These issues are also set apart by their effects. On the one hand, white privilege tends to have positive impacts on white people. The various examples provided in the worksheet above show how white privilege can benefit whites. Since it offers benefits, white privilege is desirable. It would not be surprising to find a black man who wishes he were white so that he could find employment easily and be insulated against harassment. On the other hand, the effects of colorism are mostly adverse. For example, black men who marry white women are accused of betraying their community. Another example is the harassment that black people suffer in the hands of police officers on account of their skin color. Colorism leaves people of color feeling inferior and unwanted. Since they have enjoyed the most benefit from the inequalities in American society, whites need to lead the effort to make the country more equitable and just. They should challenge stakeholders to take action to ensure that all Americans are able to access opportunities and find fulfilment regardless of their skin color or racial background.
References
On Racism and white privilege . (n.d). Teaching Tolerance. Retrieved July 22, 2018 from
https://www.tolerance.org/professional-development/on-racism-and-white-privilege
