Peggy McIntosh's "White Privilege"

Reflection

In Peggy McIntosh’s article, “White Privilege”, it states that white people ignore the fact that they have special privileges, whereas African American people cannot.  Today, we live in a white dominant society.  She says, “I think whites are carefully taught not to recognize white privilege” (McIntosh 1).  I believe this is true because I never knew I had these special privileges that African American people do not have.  As the author listed some daily effects of white privilege, it made me realize that I hold more power than I thought. 

I never stopped and wondered how difficult it must be for African Americans to walk into a store and buy a birthday card.  Not once, have I had a problem searching for a card, toy, or doll that did not feature people of my race.  Or walk into a salon and have trouble finding someone who could cut and style my hair.  As I kept reading the list, it made me a little depressed.  I can do all twenty-six of those conditions listed and do not have to worry about being judged by anyone.  Every single day, African Americans are judged based on the color of their skin.

McIntosh also states, “If these things are true, this is not such a free country” (McIntosh 4).  This is completely true, how can we live in a nation where only one race is the dominant one, while all of the other races struggle to remain in existence?  White people, including myself, take everything for granted and it never occurred to me until I read this article.  My favorite part of the article, was when McIntosh stated that “white privilege is like an invisible weightless knapsack of special provisions, maps, passports, code books, visas, clothes, tools, and blank checks” (McIntosh 1).  Whites are given all of these special tools to survive in the world so they can have an easy and prosperous life.  In the meantime, African Americans are left with just an empty knapsack; trying to figure out a way to survive and fend for themselves.  We must come together and figure out a way where everyone is treated equally and given the same “equipment” to survive in life.

Comments/Questions:

I feel embarrassed and ashamed that I did not realize any of the issues that were indicated in this article, but I am also wondering, how many other people feel the same way I do?  For the white dominant people of America, I have these questions.  Has it crossed your mind that when we put on cover up or bandages it matches our skin, but it does not match African Americans skin?  Do you still believe that we live in a “free country”?  As a white student living in the United States of America, do you believe racism affects you, why or why not?  Do you believe that racism will end if white individuals change their attitude and views about the world?

Here is a link that relates to white privilege http://scarletmoth.xanga.com/753846154/white-privilege-stop-denying-you-have-it/