What Is White Privilege?
This week’s readings seemed to have different topics yet also many similarities. The first reading which was “The Color of Supremacy: Beyond the Discourse of “ White Privilege ’’ by Zeus Leonardo tells us how white privilege is part of the reason why racism prevails even today. The reading even somewhat bolsters McIntosh’s argument that sometimes, white people simply aren’t even aware of their ‘ privileges ’. I however, feel that racism persists because people let it persist. Racism is not a thing of the past that just happens to still be prevalent. Racism is an ugly reality of the present day world we all live in.
Additionally there were two other short pieces, “ Maybe now isn't the time, guys ” by Danielle Belton and “ For our white friends
desiring to be allies ” by Courtney Ariel. These two pieces were very similar in their ideologies. These pieces address white people who are simply trying to help people of different races but in trying to do so end up making the conversation about themselves. Whilst their efforts in trying to understand the plight of other races is appreciated, their actions in trying to improve are not. These people seem to good intentions but lack the ability to execute these intentions. I definitely feel that these articles were powerful and addressed an issue that needed to be addressed.
They were short and easy to read yet provided valuable insight.
The final reading for the week was “ Not I ” by Cheryl Matias who focuses on the narcissism of whiteness. Matias also gives personal accounts to prove the narcissism of whiteness and tells us how students and even some teachers have tried to defend themselves to prove that thy aren’t racist. Some of the instances mentioned in this article are truly an eye opener. One instance that I particularly agreed with was based off Vera and Gordon’s argument that leading actors in Hollywood films often have black sidekicks to provide comic relief affirming whiteness. The interactions between Matias and white people in this article only furthers the notion of color blindness among white people and shows how ignorant they can be. I personally loved the conclusion to this chapter, especially the quote by Hayes and Juarez “You don't get a ‘ good ’ White people’s medal’’.
Additionally there were two other short pieces, “ Maybe now isn't the time, guys ” by Danielle Belton and “ For our white friends
desiring to be allies ” by Courtney Ariel. These two pieces were very similar in their ideologies. These pieces address white people who are simply trying to help people of different races but in trying to do so end up making the conversation about themselves. Whilst their efforts in trying to understand the plight of other races is appreciated, their actions in trying to improve are not. These people seem to good intentions but lack the ability to execute these intentions. I definitely feel that these articles were powerful and addressed an issue that needed to be addressed.
They were short and easy to read yet provided valuable insight.
The final reading for the week was “ Not I ” by Cheryl Matias who focuses on the narcissism of whiteness. Matias also gives personal accounts to prove the narcissism of whiteness and tells us how students and even some teachers have tried to defend themselves to prove that thy aren’t racist. Some of the instances mentioned in this article are truly an eye opener. One instance that I particularly agreed with was based off Vera and Gordon’s argument that leading actors in Hollywood films often have black sidekicks to provide comic relief affirming whiteness. The interactions between Matias and white people in this article only furthers the notion of color blindness among white people and shows how ignorant they can be. I personally loved the conclusion to this chapter, especially the quote by Hayes and Juarez “You don't get a ‘ good ’ White people’s medal’’.