So let's talk about white privilege.
- Locked due to inactivity on Apr 29, '23 3:54am
Thread Topic: So let's talk about white privilege.
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In this thread, I'll be addressing a few talking points surrounding the topic of white privilege. Without further ado...
1. "White privilege doesn't exist."
Heard. Now let's talk about why you're wrong.
2. "What is white privilege?"
White privilege can be defined as: the societal privilege that benefits white people over non-white people in some societies, particularly if they are otherwise under the same social, political, or economic circumstances.
3. "I've struggled my whole life. Where's my white privilege?"
Admitting that you benefit from white privilege is not saying "I've never suffered or toiled because I'm white". The only thing it means is there are certain challenges you will never have had to overcome because of your skin color. The everyday racism and microaggressions faced by people of color simply won't apply to you. You have the privilege of your skin color not actively influencing how people view and treat you.
4. "Stop trying to make me feel bad that I'm white."
Acknowledging your privilege as a white person is not an attack. A person's skin color should never have a bearing on their value as a person. Again, the only thing it means is that there are certain problems you don't have because of your skin color. That's not your fault, but what you choose to do with your privilege matters.
5. "So just because I'm white I'm obligated to play an active role in fighting racism? That's not right."
No one can force you to use your platform as a white person to help make the world a better place, of course, but if you have the power to make a difference and choose not to do anything, people are going to judge you. If that bothers you, you can either do the right thing or just lose access to all the people that will. Those are your only options. If you choose to be complacent in the fight against racism, you've already taken a side. If you feel it's unjust to expect people to take action simply because of how they were born, consider again the belief that white privilege doesn't exist or doesn't apply to you. Not being actively anti-racist is part of that privilege, a luxury people of color are not afforded. A black person cannot simply choose to abstain from racism, making the fact that you can proof of your privilege.
If I've forgotten anything here, and you feel comfortable doing so, do please feel free to add on any more helpful information you may have. If you have sincere questions on this subject, please post them here!
As a parting word, I would like to clarify that I am, myself, white. I made this thread because the responsibility to educate ourselves falls on us, as white people, rather than on the shoulders of people of color. Furthermore, there are a number of people of color in my life who are extremely important to me and I want to make this world better, for them and for everyone like them. I know the userbase of Gotoquiz is largely young, impressionable people who won't be given this information any other way. Lastly, I want to say that I've answered each of these frequently asked questions to the best of my understanding, but I am not perfect and I welcome corrections made in good faith. Thank you for reading, and have the day you deserve. -
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I think it's important to note the faults of the school's education today and how it fails to teach us about this sorts of stuff
I appreciate u spreading awareness to this topic, I believe it's crucial for every person to learn <3 -
The everyday racism and microaggressions faced by people of color simply won't apply to you.
So, i'm not trying to start anything, but, something i've noticed (especially on twitter and other social medias) are people who seem to be doing everything they can to make that statement false.
One example I've seen was someone who basically said that you can't bring white people into a friend group without making sure your friends are ok with it.
There's also the horrendous amount of people who actively... act racist towards whites and justify their actions by saying that you can't be racist towards white people.
I am not saying white privilege doesn't exist, I am saying that it is becoming less widespread FROM WHAT I'VE SEEN.
It could be less common than i think, but i am unsure. -
I'd also like to point how problematic the term "White privilege" is.
Why?
Because, to put it simply, it's too broad. -
I'll make a thread so i may elaborate.
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This thread is not for debate. I won't be responding to those posts because I don't believe for a second anyone that doesn't agree with you is going to get through to you regardless, and because I don't want to encourage you to continue posting here. Have a great day.
This thread is locked, therefore no new posts can be made.
