A Response To: White Oppressor? Me?
Fox News Editorial
Wendy of iFeminist
I agree with you on this specific case as it is obviously a case of doing exactly what one is meeting to discuss how to mitigate. However, your general denial of the concept of "white privilege" is myopic at best.
You don't perceive "white privilege" because you have never been denied anything based on your skin color. Having never been in that situation makes everyday life completely different as many people's initial perceptions of you are "good" due only to the color of your skin, white. "White privilege" isn't a matter of law, it's a matter of social construct and perception. Your offense to the reaction of this group's denial of participation is exactly what those not in the "white privilege" group deal with on an almost daily basis - not by construct, but by social norms and latent racists beliefs.
Are things considerably better than just 20 years ago? Yes. But to deny that racism is still prevalent, in a much more stealthy, and therefore odious way, is simplistic on its face.
You cannot see the "privilege" of the forest for the white trees that dominate it.
Fox News Editorial
Wendy of iFeminist
I agree with you on this specific case as it is obviously a case of doing exactly what one is meeting to discuss how to mitigate. However, your general denial of the concept of "white privilege" is myopic at best.
You don't perceive "white privilege" because you have never been denied anything based on your skin color. Having never been in that situation makes everyday life completely different as many people's initial perceptions of you are "good" due only to the color of your skin, white. "White privilege" isn't a matter of law, it's a matter of social construct and perception. Your offense to the reaction of this group's denial of participation is exactly what those not in the "white privilege" group deal with on an almost daily basis - not by construct, but by social norms and latent racists beliefs.
Are things considerably better than just 20 years ago? Yes. But to deny that racism is still prevalent, in a much more stealthy, and therefore odious way, is simplistic on its face.
You cannot see the "privilege" of the forest for the white trees that dominate it.
posted by Mike at 1:01 PM
3 Comments:
"Are things considerably better than just 20 years ago?"
sadly, this is a question we will continue to ask ourselves for years to come. posed twenty years ago, the answer would have been the same: yes. ask twenty years from now, the answer (hopefully) will be the same again.
those who deny the existence of white privilege in america tend to confuse the definition of "better" with "right". when they, twenty years from now, respond to this question in the affirmative, then they unwittingly admit today their denial of the privilege; if the situation can be improved, then the situation exists, despite their denials.
wonderful to see this blog active again, mike.
ooops! forgot to sign my post:
KEvron
Jess,
You're missing the point. What you are missing is that you don't see racism everyday, because you are in the majority group, who have most of the power.
You are accepted in most situations merely because you are white. Imagine walking into the darkest, meanest part of a major city. Now imagine the looks you would get and the insecurity you would feel (and probably for good reason). Now imagine THAT being every day for you.
Re-read my post and see if you get the difference between overt racism and subtle racism.
I'll bet you dollars to donuts that when you see a well dressed black man or one driving a very nice car, your first thought is:
A) Athlete
B) Lives in a shack and wastes his money on flashy clothes or car
C) Drug Dealer
D) Just another professional
If you're enlightened you will eventually get to D. But I bet you touch A, B or C first in some variation. I know I do.
THAT is what I am talking about. How many people are truly mindful of their thoughts? How many people realize that it is these thoughts that control their actions?
Answer: Not many...on either side.
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