Peggy McIntosh
White Privilege: Unpacking
the Invisible Knapsack
Reflection:
The
reading really helped to broaden my perspectives and think of society in a new
enlightened way. Thinking back to SCWAMP, I had realized I fit into almost
every one of those categories; in society’s view I am very “acceptable”. I had
never really thought of myself having it so easy, I have my own ups and downs
in life, but in comparison I have an advantage in societies view, over someone
for instance that fit into none of the SCWAMP categories.
With
that being said, I feel this article particularly helped to open my eyes to a
greater extent, than what I had previously had been aware of. I have seen how
race and color can put people at a disadvantage, but had not contemplated how
much of an advantage I am given just because of being a white male.
Number 6 – “When I am told about our
national heritage or about “civilization,” I am shown that people of my color
made it what it is.” I understand US History is only touched upon with broad
strokes in high school, but it would be great if they went deeper into how
other races made the country what it is. This is a problem that goes much
deeper than what we read in books growing up, but it would help to give kids a
greater view on how other races contributed to the US history.
Number 26 – “I can
choose blemish cover or bandages in “flesh” color and have them more or less
match my skin.” This particularly struck me as something that may seem like a
small inconveniences to an average white person, when thinking about someone of
color trying to buy the Band-Aid, but it must strike the person deeper than one
may think. I can imagine a young colored boy or girl just looking for a
Band-Aid and realizing there are none that match his or her skin color. This
everyday scratch on his knee then turns into a moment of racial alienation for
the child; this is unfair and unjust.
Comment:
I was raised to treat people equally, but I always knew
there were advantages and disadvantages to being a particular race, bet never
to such an extent. It seems that society is so far entrenched in their ways
that it is impossible to undo these beliefs. I must believe that even if I am
one person, I can help influence those around me through small gestures of
kindness and openness. One of the biggest ways I can change society, is when
the day comes that I have children, to inform them and help them to understand
society in hopes they may become a beacon of equality and enrich tomorrow’s generation.
What is one way that
you might be able to change your view, or help other’s see their effects on
society more clearly?
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