White Privilege

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In my class this morning we were discussing an article we read dealing with racism and sexism in America. The author originally had wanted to discuss male privilege, but realized that she should first address her own privilege of being white.

The article invoked a lot of thought about some of the unique racial experiences I had while in Jordan. While there I realized that I have indeed been given an extra card in my proverbial deck… an undeserved set of opportunities, because of my race.

I think few people want to believe that they are racist. I mean, that just smacks of being evil, insensitive, and narcissistic – and no one wants to portray that image in politically-correct America. But, if we recognize the inequality and continue to do nothing about it, what does that say about our passion for ending injustice?

In Jordan I recieved two kinds of treatment on the basis of my skin. I was mistreated, by trying to have prices increased and recieved lots of unwanted snide remarks…. or, I was given a special, almost holy, status.

I was often brought to the front of lines, given access to primarily “men only” events despite me obviously being a girl, not asked for identification (like when I rented an apartment, or at entrances to the university), allowed to break rules (such as recieving a visa I was not eligible for), and was never harassed or asked to leave a store (as is done to people the shopkeeper doesn’t think can afford things).

Automatically people assumed I had money, was successful, interesting, and beautiful – solely on the basis of my skin color.

I didn’t wear particularly nice or expensive clothing, but because I was white I was given special access to nearly everything available. It was crazy because I often had to insist that I didn’t want to be treated differently, and even then would still recieve it.

They have a whitening lotion that is heavily advertised, and purchased called Fair & Lovely – with commercials showing women who wear the cream go from ugly ducklings, to beautiful and successful swans.

The article we read for class had a list of 46 “white privileges” people recieve in the States, and I thought it’d be interesting just to list a few of them to provoke some thought…

- I can, if I wish, arrange to be in the company of people of my race most of the time.
- I can turn on the TV or open the front page of the paper and see people of my race widely and positively represented.
– When I am told about our national heritage or about “civilization”, I am shown that people of my color made it what it is.
- Whether I use checks, credit cards, or cash, I can count on my skin color not to work against the appearance that I am financially reliable.
- I am never asked to speak for all the people of my racial group.
- I can be reasonably sure that if I ask to talk to “the person in charge,” I will be facing a person of my race.
- I can worry about racism without being seen as self-interested or self-seeking.
- I can easily buy posters, postcards, picture books, greeting cards, dolls, toys, and magazines featuring people of my race.
- I can choose blemish cover or bandages in “flesh” color and have them more or less match my skin.

I wanted to bring attention to this issue because it’s important, and often overlooked. Hopefully reading this will provoke a few thoughts as you go about your day today… I think it’s always good to remind myself that there are so many messages being sent out to people, and stopping to evaluate if they are right, is sometimes difficult.. but always good.

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In other news… my friend Carolyn, who is currently living in Jordan, is now on xanga and deserves a lot of comments and subscriptions =) … also… I wanted to send out a special happy birthday to my friend Nick today.