White Privilege

What is white privilege and how does our society support "whiteness" as the norm (what is seen as "normal")? Provide some examples from society to illustrate your responses. How can we, as a society, confront white privilege even when individuals may not know that they are benefiting from white privilege?

Full Answer Section Here are some examples of how white privilege manifests in society:
  • White people are more likely to be hired for jobs than people of color with the same qualifications.
  • White people are more likely to be promoted to leadership positions than people of color.
  • White people are more likely to be able to afford to live in safe neighborhoods.
  • White people are more likely to receive quality healthcare.
It is important to note that white privilege is not something that all white people experience equally. White privilege is a complex system of advantages that can be affected by factors such as gender, class, and sexual orientation. There are a number of things that we can do as a society to confront white privilege, even when individuals may not know that they are benefiting from it. These include:
  • Educating ourselves about white privilege. The first step to confronting white privilege is to understand what it is and how it works. There are many resources available to help us do this, such as books, articles, and websites.
  • Challenging stereotypes and microaggressions. When we see or hear stereotypes about people of color, we should challenge them. We should also challenge microaggressions, which are subtle forms of discrimination.
  • Supporting organizations that are working to challenge white privilege. There are many organizations that are working to challenge white privilege. We can support these organizations by donating our time, money, or skills.
  • Being an ally to people of color. We can be allies to people of color by listening to their experiences, believing them, and supporting them in their fight for equality.
Confronting white privilege is an important step towards creating a more just and equitable society. By educating ourselves, challenging stereotypes, and supporting organizations that are working to challenge white privilege, we can make a difference.
Sample Answer White privilege is a set of advantages that white people have in society simply because of their race. These advantages can be seen in many areas of life, including employment, education, housing, and healthcare. One way that our society supports "whiteness" as the norm is through the media. The vast majority of images and representations in the media are of white people. This can create the impression that white people are the default, and that people of color are somehow different or inferior. Another way that our society supports "whiteness" as the norm is through language. The English language is full of terms that are associated with whiteness, such as "master," "lord," and "white knight." These terms can reinforce the idea that whiteness is superior.