Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack
Based on Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack by Peggy McIntosh, the author was taught a unique perspective to racism. It was necessary to prioritize individual acts of freedom as opposed to invisible systems and institutions for different reasons. The primary rationale for the perspective is to disregard the collective eminence of racial discrimination that defied any specific sources of cushion regarding the adverse implication of racism. Therefore, racism was instead a choice and making individuals such that one would choose to escape vulnerability and suffering (McIntosh, 1990). The perspective also underscores the realization that the invisible systems conferring power or weaknesses were predictable and known to both the perpetrators and victims of ethnic divisions. Therefore, it was necessary to focus on establishing a support system based on available resources and positivity.
The author makes references to different daily effects of white privilege that were the focal points of suppressing the minorities. The ease of moving and settling to preferred areas is one of the privileges that stands out the most. It means that a typical white American is unconcerned about their future as there is a guarantee of generational stability and progression. However, it is not the case with the minorities who cannot access permanent housing easily. The other privilege entails freedom of movement, especially in busy areas such as the market. Unlike the minorities who grapple with being harassed, whites are assured of protection. The inconsistency means that the majority population has psychological and physical freedom. It gives them the upper hand in succeeding in different dimensions of human life. On the contrary, the fact that minorities, such as blacks, live in constant fear. Thet cannot move easily or enjoy the freedom association among themselves or with other members of society.
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It is possible to lessen the impact of privilege, or lack of it is different. The solutions commence with conceptualizing racism as an invisible system conferring dominance on any group. It is necessary to accept that certain communities have the upper hand regarding dealing with major social evils. The majority population needs to take both a moral and legislative authority to combat the underlying issue. The moral aspect revolves around accepting the whites are indeed placing excessive limitations on the minorities. It is also necessary to eradicate the sense of entitlement that has been synonymous with the Americans. The new perspective is required and desired as it consolidates the interests of all sections of society. The inclination to advocate for equality means that every individual will be safe and have the psychological freedom to achieve self-actualization.
Tim Wise: On White Privilege
Based on the video by Tim Wise, privilege is the exemption from certain obligations and the entitlement to expect and demand more. Those with predefined places and control essential institutions of power are the ones who have it. The privilege commences with the elaborate social provisions that are part of intergenerational developments. Demographic elements are the most relatable, especially with the case of the whites. There is an assurance being part of a given race or sexual orientation (Wise, 2008). However, the demographic incentives can inspire other institutional privileges, as seen in the case of vital sectors such as health and education. On the other hand, those that do not have freedom are the embodiments of despair and deprivation. Such groups represent the minority and do not capitalize on any power imbalances of social institutions. On the contrary, the various elements of the society work against. For instance, belonging to a particular race signifies deprivation.
There are different explanations as to why some people have privileges, and others do not. The central explanation is that power imbalances are a reality and major forces that define community outlook. Therefore, a society that grapples with inequality will normally have predefined enticements for certain groups and explicit drawbacks for the other group ( Phillips, 2017) . I am privileged in the sense that I have all the basics I need, including a stable family, living in a secure environment, and guaranteed access to education. I am also privileged to realize that I do not need to have fears of marginalization that can come from my culture.
Privilege leads to oppression in different ways. It is a deviation from legal and structural incentives for inequality. While the law can define relevant limits to facilitate equality, privilege means that some people or communities can defy such regulations easily. Issues like education, healthcare, poverty, housing, and economic status are the foundation of privilege, especially for the largest proportion of minorities. The various socioeconomic elements are the most demanded, such that it is possible to account for relevant figures. For instance, whites have the upper hand while accessing essential needs, such as education and housing in America. It is challenging for white people to think about white privilege based on the historical order of entitlement to power and different socioeconomic elements. They tend to overlook the plight of the minority communities.
References
McIntosh, P. (1990). White Privilege: Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack.
Phillips, N. (2017). Power and inequality in the global political economy. International Affairs , 93 (2), 429-444.
Wise, T. (2008). On White Privilege.
