"He who saves one life saves the world"

History and Democracy: This class blog will be used for all communication. All homework will be posted here and all online class discussions.


Friday, September 2, 2011

Due Tuesday: White Privilege

Is there such a thing as "white privilege," as many writers allege? Do people identified as "white" have an unspoken, often unrecognized "invisible backpack" that affords opportunity, access, ease, comfort that people who are not "white" ("light," "tawny," "toast") lack?

Write 3-4 sentences. In addition, comment on at least one other student's blog.

When you sign your secret name, include your class period. For example: 4/5 Bingo

Tim Wise's Video

60 comments:

nike said...

Yes, "White privilege" does exist. The privileges that people who are not white recieve are not equal. People of color lack the ability to always be in a comfortable enviorment, enter any atmosphere freely and be welcomed, and many other things. The luxury that "whites" get is not always apparent to them because as said in the passage it is taken for granite and the things that they do everyday seem normal. This inequality is not apparent to them because they have been taught that it is normal.

liv n luv said...

I do believe that their is a such thing as a "white privilege." The reason is because for years white people have been looked as superior and others races seem as beneath them. Now I'm not saying as if all white people or any race thinks this way its just been our history. For example civil rights, the holocaust, etc. These different situations shows how many whites didn't want a change because they did not like the fact of any one being equal to them. Today, some whites still think this way its just not as open as it use to be. Which is why their lifestyle can be considered ease or comfort. While people who are non-white have more to prove because of their skintone. It is just the world we live in.

4/5 Frank said...

I do feel as if people who are identified as "white" have an unspoken, often unrecognized thus, unacknowledged "invisible backpack". Those who are identified as white have the luxury of not having to worry about how others are perceiving them. There's never a question weather those identified as white are capable. Others who are not identified as white don't have the comfort or the ease that those identified as white do. There's always a bias opinion or question when those who aren't identified as white come into the picture. They truly can't live their life with ease. Those who are identified as white don't notice these things because they've never been on the other side, they've always been given opportunity with no real questions asked.

I agree with nike. People of color lack the ability to always be in a comfortable atmosphere. The luxury that "those identified as white have is often taken for granite.

20watts said...

There is no doubt as to whether this exists or not. Rather, the question is to the EXTENT to which it exists...

Despite what I've heard in class today (and I believe every word) I have NOT seen such things happen personally (that is, witnessing a case of this discrimination), but I am absolutely positive it exists. I am aware, just through conversations with the people I've encountered throughout my life, that some people simply believe others to be inferior to them on the basis of race.

liv n luv,
This has happened indeed, but I think that lots of people during these times DID want a change, but were afraid of what would happen if they spoke up, especially during the Holocaust. If they disagreed, they could have been punished. The Civil Rights movement, however, was not nearly as difficult to speak out against, (in this case, as a white person) but many did not, because their fears were probably more frivolous, probably pertaining to the fact that sometimes, people are simply afraid to stand out from the crowd...to share their opinions in the face of adversity, disapproval from others. People are like that, sadly...

4/5 senio12s said...

I too believe that “white privilege” does exist. However, I feel that it is becoming less prominent in today’s society. Obviously before the civil rights movement, it was undeniably a privilege to have white skin. More rights were opened to Caucasian people, and darker skins were discriminated against immensely. Although, we must keep in mind that this was over 50 years ago, and we have come a long way as a nation. We cannot forget that our nation elected, literally chose to vote for an African American. This emphasizes how much less color is starting to matter. There are definitely still stereotypes present that people may proclaim correlation to skin color, and thus I do think that in some situations it is easier to be white.

Like Frank and Nike said, it may be hard for white people to even realize how much of a privilege it is, because they have never been forced to live on the other side of it. It is easy to deny such an “invisible backpack” exists when you are the one lugging it around, but the second it is taken away, you may come to realize how truly fortunate you were.

Ima Weenur said...

The so called "white privilege" is as real as a bullfrog sippin' on molasses. The important thing is to understand key demographics, rather then play silly scenarios in your head such as "will the black waiter or the white waiter get a bigger tip?" Overall, white people do possess their "invisible knapsack". Whether it applies to which neighborhood they reside or which job they can take, White people (otherwise known as crackers) possess an invisible shield from general criticism and things of that sort. It's quite unfortunate, but it is the moral code engraved within our society.


20watts
I understand that it hasn't happened to you personally, and it's probably because you're white! The thing is "White Privilege" is an INVISIBLE knapsack. Whites themselves probably won't notice it when someone DOESN'T mistreat them, or when someone DOESN'T pay you less than the other person based on ethnicity.

Ima Weenur said...

by the way I'm 6/7.

SoaMoa said...

I do believe there is such thing as "white privilege", but I don't believe it is as current in this day and age. People are held to more of equal standards. I do believe that it is less likely for a white individual to be seconded guessed or double checked as opposed to a black individual. I agree with live and luv that is how it has been for many generations of people and that is the way that this were viewed back then. But know as society begins to learn from their present mistakes less of this "white privilege" is becoming evident.

4/5 abc123 said...

I do believe white privilege exists in our society today. There are many advantages that white people do not realize they are given just because of their color. There are certain opportunites and easy access that come naturally for most white people. These certain opportunites and access is not always given right away to people of other color. Even though the comment above me makes a good point, I do not fully agree. While now a days most races are held to equal standards, I do believe white people have more "invisible backspacks" than they realize.

capri 4/5 said...

In this day and age I do believe white privilege exits. There is a sense of comfort that most white people are able to enjoy because of their color. Most don'd even realize this for the reason that it is all they have ever known and take it for granted. I disagree with SoaMoa when he says its not as relevant in this day and age because i think it is. The strength of white privilege seems to vary depending on the location and demographic of the community you live in. But none the less wherever you go white people are more quickly to be accepted then colored people are for these invisible reasons Peggy McIntosh speaks of.

9 Lily said...

I do believe in white privilege. Yes, it's not as prominent as it once was, but it's still there. Especially when slavery and racism ruled the country. I don't really see any white privilege in Orange though. I personally don't feel that I have any more opportunities, access, or comfort that people who aren't white have.

I definitely agree with Capri when she said that,"The strength of white privilege seems to vary depending on the location and demographic of the community you live in." Yes, it's not as prominent in Orange, but I'm positive that if I went to the south then I would be shocked by the amount of racism still present today. Some people at least have a more modern viewpoint on racism instead of the "old fashioned" one. Luckily, it's slowly disappearing.

BlazinBaller 4/5 said...

I believe that there are still unspoken "white privilege situations" that occur on a daily basis throughout the world.

There will always be differences between different races and religions. Our society has made great strides in accepting diversity over the past 50 years.

I believe that there will be a continual struggle with people accepting each other as we are. Hopefully, someday all men/women shall be treated equally.

OPIdiva12 6/7 said...

I do believe there is a such thing as "white privilege". It is unspoken maybe amongst people grouped into that category, but for people who have the underhand, and do not reap the benefits of the privilege it is very well known. In the history of our nation you have to question where the need for a separation came from. We know of course from the time of slavery through civil rights movements. Though there are no longer laws of separation, and most things are said to be equal, are they really? If white people have all of these subconscious advantages technically our society is still separate, and not equal.

In addition, there is always the exception to the rule, but for the majority of the population i do believe there is a such thing as "white privilege".

I agree with BlazinBaller unfortunately there will be a continual struggle with people accepting eachother because it is what we're trained from a young age. Hopefully the day will come when every man/woman feels equal in all ways.

9 Miss. Happy said...

I think the idea of "white privilege" exists but not like it did years ago. I think the older generation still believes in it while the younger generation has experienced less and less of it in life. I think the "invisible knapsack" is disappearing as we become more educated and sensitive to diversity. I agree with Lily that there is no "white privilege" at Orange.

Percy Michael Williams said...

I do not believe that white people have privileges over other races, however I believe that people who do believe this are only saying that because they may see whites to be more successful. Every human being is capable of doing anything humanly possible if they are determined enough. In times prior to ours, when blacks were treated as inferiors, I believe that whites carried an "invisible knapsack", however in the present, this so called white privilege does not exist in my reality.

4/5 Bob said...

I do believe that white people have privileges over other races for example,for the most part upper class and upper-middel class naberhoods are mostley white but lower class naeberhoods do not have many white people so if u start out poor you cant go to good schools so you dont get good jobs so you dont make good money this is one of the reasons i say that there is a such thing as "white privlege". and for what Percy Michael Williams said just because i think i will get a good job do not mean that my schooling or other things will let me.

Nicole 4/5 said...

I do believe there is such thing as "white privilege." In my opinion, white people have expansive advantages over other races. Many white people have that sense of ease because of their skin color. I think this concept has improved over time, but still is a prevalent issue today. I agree with OPldiva12 when they say "unspoken maybe amongst people grouped into that category, but for people who have the underhand, and do not reap the benefits of the privilege it is very well known." I also agree strongly with capri when they say "There is a sense of comfort that most white people are able to enjoy because of their color." I feel this discussion of race supremacy has been existent for several generations and am unsure of when the racial separation and tensions will cease.

Overlord 4/5 said...

I do believe that this "white privilege" does exist within are society. Many of the successful people in are society are white, but this is not the case. I believe that every human being of any race is capable of being successful in our society. I highly agree of what Nike says that people of color have difficulties of living in a comfortable environment and that the luxury of "whites" is not apparent to them

4/5 Kevin said...

I do believe that there is such a thing as "white privilege", and that although the playing fields are becoming more and more equal as time goes on, it still exists to a certain extend in today's society. Although they may not even be aware of it, there are many unspoken and unrecognized benefits people with white skin are able to obtain. There are many things that people of other races have to consider that whites don't even have to think about, and I think that the fact that these privileges are unrecognized is one of the reasons that they are harder to get rid of when compared to other inequalities. Also, I agree with capri's post that people who have these privileges take them for granted, and do not attribute them to the color of their skin.

mr. solo dolo said...

9*

I definitely believe that there is such a thing as "white privilege". In most situations white people are given the benefit of the doubt, while black people are not. If a white man and black man committed the same crime the white man could get off easier because of the "white privilege". ESPN the Magazine wrote an article about Michael Vick and it was titled "What If Michael Vick Were White" and it talks about how things could be different for him if he were white.

I agree wit senio12s that it does exist but not as much as it used to. It is amazing how in 50 years the world can change so much. 50 years ago black people weren't allowed to use the same water fountain as white people because of the white privilege. But in today's world I feel that "white privilege" is not as big as it used to be.

6/7 Bubbles said...

Yes, I do believe that there's a such thing as "white privilege". I do feel as though there are unspoken sometimes unrecognized opportunities that are given to people of white skin that our not offered to those of a different race. Even though some may say that its something that is unnoticed and doesn't seem to be that way, it really is and as much as some may not want to admit it or acknowledge the fact it is true. In many everyday situations such as job opportunities, being in stores and knowing that you don't have to worry about people thinking your stealing because your white or doing something and people not blaming what your doing on your race. I agree with Kevin, that people of white skin have to worry less about then those of different races. I also believe the fact that people pretend that there not there is the reason that they at times seem impossible to get rid of.

6/7 daisy27 said...

I think there is such a thing as "white privilege" even if some fail to accept or recognize it. Although through time "white privilege" isn't as prominent as it used to be, whites take advantage of the opportunities they are given without even thinking their race has to do with it. This "invisible backpack" provides a lasting comfort of safety and reassurance for whites, while those of color do not possess it. It is unfortunate that even if we call ourselves an equal society that we can never be just based on the fact that there will always be a barrier up of some sort against those who are of color. Unfortunately, whether it be at public places or in the work place, from time to time "white privilege" will appear just out of habit.
I agree with frank in the sense that "those who are identified as white don't notice these things because they've never been on the other side, they've always been given opportunity with no real questions asked." This is very true because those who say "white privilege" doesn't exist have likely been the ones to have it apply to them, not the other way around.

9th BlazingBill said...

In my opinion, there is 100% such a thing as "White Privilege". In most cases, I do believe that people who are identified as "White" have certain advantages in life over people who aren't identified as "White". This could involve job opportunities, court convictions, how appropriate/polite cops will be to you, and just how you will be treated by anyone in general. It's really awful that such a thing exists, but I believe this will be completely relevant until all generalizations, stereotypes, and discrimination in general are eliminated from our society.

I agree with Senio12's comment that "white privilege" isn't as relevant as it was 50 years ago. Now a days, there is a higher equality around us and discrimination has lessened a ton.

6/7 Essie said...

I definitely believe that "white privilege" exists in our country today. People identified as "white" have an "invisible backpack" although there are laws stating that everyone must be treated equally. There are much higher suspicions of terrorism, stealing, and "uneasy behavior" among people of color. The police are often not very good at enforcing equality when they suspect people of color quickly and fail to recognize the evidence stating otherwise. Unfortunately, I believe that stereotyping, generalizing, discriminating, and "white privilege" will continue for awhile because these are things that are hard to eliminate from a society.

I disagree with Percy Michael Williams when he states that "white privilege" does not exist. I think it is a generalization to say that people only believe this because they see white people as being more successful. Many people believe this because of the actions sought out by people in the community. When someone holds their purse closer to themselves because a person of color walks by, that is a generalization that can lead to bigger things such as accusations for thievery. It is a difficult concept to grab, but actions speak louder than words. It may not seem that obvious, but a lot of people seem more "comfortable" around white people which does give them the "invisible backpack" currently.

Purple1 said...

I definitely believe that "white privilege" exists in our society. We are lucky to be in a community where it is far less prominent. However, I still think that it exists in our local atmosphere. I personally can't really think of a time that I have had "white privilege", but I am sure that it has happened without me knowing. For example, I have never been the only person of my race in a class, or been asked to speak for others in my race. The insight into this subject has prompted me to look more closely for signs of "white privilege" in my own life.

I agree with Essie. It would be wonderful if "white privilege" would go away, but it has been part of our society for so long that we will have trouble finally getting rid of it. Years and years of horrible habits have been passed down from generations and they will not be easily erased.

6/7 kinestire said...

dear bob; neighborhoods.
I do believe that there are white privileges that most people probably do not think about. To what Essie said about racism and discrimination not being an easy thing to eliminate from our society, I completely agree and i think that this is where the better treatment comes in. It was not too long ago that we had inequality in America, so our white grandparents and great grandparents were raised differently than us. They were taught to hate black people and think down upon them, and I know that the majority of racist people that I know are adults. And because of this, they raise their white kids to be afraid, cautious, and uninviting to black people. White privilege comes from the people that raise their children to think this way. They train white people to think in a superior mindset and I know that its not just a few families here and there. If our constitution says that all races are equal, then where does the invisible backpack come from? It comes from millions of white people feeding off of each others same beliefs and choosing to give whites more benefits than blacks or other races that are stereotyped.

9rainbowsandbutterflies said...

I do believe there is such a thing as 'white privilege', that is unspoken of. Non-whites don't have to second guess themselves on where they go and how they show up. I feel like nonwhites feel the need to impress more than whites because their steriotypes automatically bring them down. It's not as visible now-a-days but it certainly still ponders in peoples minds.
I do agree with kinestire, in the aspect that the majority or racist people these days are adults. On the other hand, I don't believe that 'train' their children to adopt such mindsets. Theend of this difference is no longer as violent or clear as it was before.

9 Aquamarine said...

Yes I do believe that white privilege exists today. People who are considered white do have an "invisible backpack" that contains certain privileges. For example, little to no negative stereotypes, free pass in the media, and general acceptance. However, I believe all people no matter what race they are have "invisible backpacks" they just might be filled with different advantages which varies by person.

I agree with SoaMoa that " People are held to more of equal standards." In this era where racism is prevalent, so is political correctness. Though some individuals may be racist, it is not generally accepted. Therefore, on a "conscious" level of thinking most people are treated with equality.

6/7 simplyme12 said...

Yes I do believe that there is a such thing as white privilege. When white people go out they don't get questioned or looked at sideways just by walking into a room. Non-whites get questioned more and looked at and talked about because they simply aren't white.

I agree with Essie in the saying that there is a much higher suspicion with certain things when it comes to people of color. People automatically assume that if its someone of color that they did something wrong or its just easier to blame them because they feel that they can.

already know9th said...

In my opinion whites do at times have privileges that other races may not have. An example would be in school if a black kid walked in a class late the teacher may get mad at that student, but a white kid could be equally late and it seems that the teacher becomes more reasonable and lets that student off easy.
I do agree with rainbowsandbutterflies nowhites do have the tendency to try to impress the other races to show that not all of that specific race are the same as the rest. But because of steriotypical people other races are grouped as one and there for unfair to the people of that race who dont live the same way they do.

4/5 Sally said...

I do think that there is such thing as white privilege. This privilege is often forgotten by white people because they have always had an invisible backpack. For example, during slavery white people had others do their work for them, they always did not have to worry about not having rights. White people have always had access to be able to work where they wanted, or live in areas where they felt safe, and were not judged. The comfort white people have while walking in areas they aren’t used to is common, they have never had to think about dangers, or how others may treat them. It’s a shame that this isn’t realized more often, but its an unspoken privilege that whites don’t have to encounter in their life.

I agree with Essie, and how police dont always enforce equality. This also includes stereotyping, generalizing, discriminating against color.

zack turbo 4/5 said...

Being a young, african american, male I definately think there is such a thing as "white privilege". Based on the discussion in class there are things I had to endure, experience, or be aware of, that a white peer would have never even thought about let alone go through it. Although with time, does come change and I believe things of this nature are changing, but unfortunately there will probably always be some remnants of "white privileges" left lingering.

zack turbo said...

I agree with Ima Weenur in that it is unfortunate but does indeed exists.

4/5 Gus said...

I do think that white privilege exists, but is not as noticeable where we live. I think that our community is very accepting and a lot less biased about race. On a national level, white people probably do have more of an advantage when it comes to being successful or even just being comfortable in everyday life. Although, I feel like minorities are starting to have a few advantages of their own. I think that things like affirmative action are starting to diminish white privilege. One example (which many of us can relate to because we are starting the college application process) is the advantage that minorities get over white people in college admissions. I just recently read something on the internet where a black kid was talking about how he got into Harvard with a 22 on his ACT. I think it would be pretty hard for a white kid to get into Harvard with a 22 on his ACT. There are many examples of this, but even with that said, I agree with Sally and many of the other students that white people do have an "invisible backpack" of privilege. It is clear that white privilege isn't as prominent as it once was.

trainingwheels said...

I believe white privelage exists in some places and most things that have to do with white privelage are unspoken and "invisible". Steryotyping is a big problem now a days and this makes white people seem to have an upper hand over black people. For example, if a white man and a black man are walking toward you down a street it is more common for someone to fear a black person then a white person. In this way a white "privelage" can be seen. it was must worse in the past but as time goes on these privelages are lessening more and more. And it is not just black people that get the butt of this deal. It is the same thing with people of mexican or muslim heritage so yes there still is some ehite privelage.

9 trainingwheels said...

and i agree with 4/5 gus when he says it is not common where we live because where we live is fairly multi-racial but this privelage can definately be found more and more as you travel more southern.

SpiderBass 4/5 said...

I believe that white privilege
still exists. Our discussion that we had in class made me realize that even little things like the color of bandaids are catered more to white people. I disagree with Lily, I think there is definitely white Privilege in Orange.

Percy Michael Williams said...

Forgot to put period, 6/7

Percy Michael WIlliams said...

Essie, after reading your comment about my post, I now can say that white people do in a sense have an invisible backpack. I agree with you when you say that actions speak louder than words and I liked your example of a woman and her purse. I guess that since I try not to judge people based upon how they look or the color of their skin, not everyone is like me.

9ktrswimmer23 said...

I do believe that there is such a thing as "white privilege". I think that our town is a very diverse town and it is a small town where everybody knows everybody, therefore, everyone is pretty much comfortable. I think if you were to step out of our town and maybe into a town like Chagrin Falls you would see a little bit more of the "white privilege" thing play in tact. Along with some places in the south. We are very trapped in our little town and I do not think that people realize there is a whole world out there that surrounds us and we have no idea the racism out there, and we all know that out there. We are just not exposed to it, which when we go off to college I think we will see that. I agree with what gus 4/5 is saying as well because we pretty much said the exact same thing.

tmasters 9th period said...

i do think that white privilege exist.i say that because as a young african american i did not have the same privileges as white americans have because it took me a long time to get where i am now where most white americans are born with privileges that most blacks have to fight for. it is getting better because it is not as racist as it used to be and it will get better.

i do agree with trainingwheels that it is more racist down south then it is up north.

4/5 BBaller said...

Yes, I do think that there is such a thing as "white privilege". Of course, this is not a blatantly obvious privilege given in writing or even spoken of--it's more of something one obtains passively, by the color of their skin.

For example, white people were often more likely to get into certain schools, programs, or clubs simply because they were white. It's like a hidden "priority", where the white people carry a greater priority over others, because of their race, as opposed to qualities, or as opposed to everyone having an equal priority level because we are all humans.

I do not agree with Lily that white privilege does not exist in Orange though. It exists everywhere, and the first step to evening the playing fields is to recognize that the playing fields are slanted regardless of where you go. As people we try and not attribute flaws to ourselves but to others, saying that "I'm not racist" or "I'm not a bigot" or "it doesn't relate to me". Instead of this we should first face our history and our past and acknowledge that it is a part of us, and then face ourselves with that in mind--"Facing History and Ourselves".

9th ponyprincess43 said...

I think white privilege still exists today due to the advantages white people generally have over other minorities. For instance, whites tend to be more successful and get away with more when it comes to jobs and everyday life.
I agree with what 4/5 Gus said about our community becoming more accepting to others as we live in a pretty diverse area. Even though white privilege still exists in my opinion, I agree that minorities are starting to get more advantages when it comes to college applications.

9th Chaz Michael Michaels said...

I believe that "white privilege" may have existed more prominantly in the past when slavery was legal and the jim crow laws were in order. However, now almost all races are treated equal, given the same education opportunities and same chances to succeed. Yes, there are some people out there in this world who are racist, and will give the white man more access and ease. Therefore, a certain "privilege" may still exist in society but only in some areas of the country. I believe as the years go by you will start to see more and more minorities climbing to the top of society.

9 Gorkster said...

Like many others, I do believe in white privilege. Although its severity varies with where you are and the dominant race of that area, it most certainly does exist. I think that many people view other races as inferior, even if they don't show it. Likewise, I think that minorities, such as blacks and hispanics also might think alike. Just like Essie said, cops, especially in the inner city, prejudge young black men to be trouble makers even if they have no reason to. A great example of this can be found in the book "We Beat The Streets" when one of the characters is pulled over and charged for possession of a weapon. The weapon he had in his back seat was actually a fishing knife.

6/7 Michael said...

I do believe in the fact that there is a white privilege in this society. I believe that the white privilege is there everyday in everything white people do, but it's often unnoticed. I myself have never noticed this white privilege before I read the story but as I think about what I read and my every day life it makes me more, and more aware of this white privilege that white people are afforded. I don't think that this white privilege can be removed from our society any time soon because it is so ingrained in everyday life in America. Especially since white people are still the majority in the nation. The only way I think this white privilege will be lessened is if caucasians lose majority in this nation. I disagree with Chaz Michael Michaels even though he's such a terrific figure skater. I think that the white privilege is just as dominant in this nation now as it was when there was slavery. It is just less obvious now than it was back when African Americans were blatantly mistreated everywhere.

9. ShadesOfGreen said...

I do think that tjere is a such thing as "white privilege" and that white people wear an invisible backack in today's society. I rhink that there will always be people who think that white will be the superior race. Also, when african americans are portrayed as the criminals in movies moat people will think its not that big of a deal because thats what they're used to them being portrayed as, but if a white person is portrayed as a criminal then its not really a big deal because they think it is a big deal when in fact there are plenty of white criminals in the world today.

I agree with gorkster when theu say thay say that many people view other raves as inferior even if they dont show it. People will act like they are kidding around when they are making fun of another race but inside they actually do think whatever they are saying.

4/5 JustInCase said...

I definitely believe that "white privilege" exists in our country today and that people identified as "white" have an "invisible backpack" despite the fact that there are laws stating that everyone is to be treated equally. For example, people are more likely to suspect someone of color over someone who's white when it comes to crimes. Whether it's something small such as being a black person driving around at night (Driving While Black) or being in the right place at the wrong time kind of thing or something major such as terrorism. I believe that stereotyping, discrimination, and "white privilege" will continue for ever. In history we see that white people never had a problem but people of color have had to endure a constant uphill battle for the same "privileges" of that of white people. It's been this way for hundreds of years and, unfortunately, I believe there will always be someone who discriminates.

I have to slightly disagree with Chaz Michael Michaels. Yes people of different races and backgrounds do have equal opportunity when it comes to education and stuff. But there are still many people, all over the country, who won't hire someone for a job or will wrongly point the finger at someone of a different color or whose part of a minority. Plus, as much as we all like to think that people will all become accepting of different racial background, it's going to be a long time.

4/5 Pink said...

I do believe there is white privelege in our society today. It is not as predominant as it used to be. In certain areas it occurs more than where we live because it is a diverse community. I cannot think of a time where i have had a privelege over someone due to my race but I still think it occurs in many places. I think now people address this issue more than in the past also.
I can agree with Ima Weenur and Zack turbo that it is bad that it exists but it always might becacuse people are prejudice and have their opinions and will remain biased.

(9*) mikeyday1 said...

I do believe that their is white privilege. I also do believe that people who are identified as white have an invisible backpack that opens up oppurtunity's for them and makes things easier for them. They are born into it, which makes them basically have an advantage over others who are not white.

I agree with 9th ponyprincess43 that they are more successful with life and jobs.

someone4/5 said...

I do believe that there is a "White Privilege" as people from other races wont be hired at a job just because of the color of their skin. I also believe that people wrongly accuse someone just because of the color of their skin.

I agree with ima weenur and hopefully our society can move on from the "White Privilege" and get rid of it and all stereotypes together.

Donald Trump 9 said...

In my opinion, there is such thing as "white privilege" as many writers allege in today’s society. I think it is less apparent to white's because they are more used to it than other races or minorities. Many people have the idea that if you’re not white your not a good person imprinted in their mind at an early age. People who identify as "white" in my opinion, live a more opportunistic life that others. African American's have far less job opportunities than whites. Ex: Congress has a majority of white congressmen and woman and very few blacks or other races. Many believe if your not white, you carry less authority. Many whites expect to be accepted into society when that is not the expectation for others. White's should be open to seeing the differences in the way they are treated than others.

I agree with Chaz Michael Michaels when he said that over the years we will see an upwards trend of more minorities climbing to the top of society. More an more people are being educated in today's society and there are more oppertunities than ever before.

Big Boy said...

Honestly, I think white privilege is based on where you are. For example, you could be in a predominately white neighborhood and go to the store. It can go one of two ways. You can receive strange looks for being a minority in that neighborhood, or you can be looked at as any other individual would. I guess it really depends on the people you're dealing with and/or how you present yourself. If you present yourself as an ignorant african american male, you will be treated as such.

Pvt. Ace 9 said...

White Privilage does exsist and being part of the majority, i dont realize how things are on my side. The government did make an effort to help create alittle more equality by forcing colleges to have to accept a certain percentage of people that are not part of the majority. However, the problem is that our government was forced to create this.

I agree with Big Boy because it depends on where you are at and how much it affects someone.

Boogie 9 said...

Yes i do believe white privilege is real. I believe this because even though stereotyping and judging people is wrong the way our society portrays white people as nice, kind and loving people and other people are portrayed negatively. So this means people unconsciously judge people based on what they have seen from the media and I disagree with bigboy because there are prejudice people everywhere.

Jdad said...

Yes i think there is a white privilege bUT not the same but its confusing.ex:white indivisual get hired before the black indivisual ,but why?was it because of the owner if he/she is white or could the white person have a clean slate while the black person has a dirty record.but what if they both had a clean slate and the white person still got hired .Another ?s can it be the way each one approched the BOSS. Or VISAVERSAL BLAK BOSS HIRE BLACK PERSON OR BLACK BOSS HIRE WHITE PERSON CAN YOU CALL HIM RACIST hmmBut to my thinking African Americans were slaves then freed.EVEN todays socity you can see were do as you do to others take place but why (again ). To be equal why not the white people serve as slaves to THER OTHER RACE BACK THEN AND IT WOULD HAVE BEEN ALL OVER WITH BY THEN AND THEN WE REALLY CAN TRY THE WORLD OUT AS A FREASH START.Did any of this happen?No!!! the whight people stay free stay free The white privilege.But I'm not racist and i barley want to write about this but I can keep going but rascism need to stop that would of been fare and squre but ether way it does not make it right Read the bible every body goes threw struggles but what about a whole race matter of fact the whole world coming togather to fight the strugle of how we think of each other how we think about racisem to get a world of purity but not like hitlers thoughts

Scott nails 10 said...

I think whites have an advantage but it's based off where u live. The advantage can be exponential in a small rural community but very minimal in a populated city. Advantages can also be disadvantages like college scholarships and acceptance or quotas.

I agree with the way big boy views it and how advantage is perspective and is easily shifted.

Lex 9 said...

I definitely believe that there is a such thing as white privilege. I think that alot of white people get away with things that a black person of the same social standing couldn't dream about doing. I believe that people automatically judge people (especially black) without even giving them a chance.

I like Mr. Solodolo's post. I think the mike vick situation would have went very differently if he was white. Don't get me wrong i think he would have still been punished but not nearly as harshly.

9RNTD81 said...

I do believe that white privilege exist in this country for sure. It is just something that comes with living here. Sometimes just based on the color of your skin you are born into certain advantages or disadvantages that other races may not have to be subjected to. I agree with training wheels in that white privilege is an invisible and unspoken thing and even though its subconsious it still has a large effect on our country.

Freshness said...

White privilege is there but isn't. Like a paradox, it's there but you can't see it happening. We can understand white privilege by examples of a white man getting a job vs a black man trying to get the same job. The white man is probably gonna get a higher pay. But it is almost natural for it to play out that way.