White privilege
Start writing a post

13 Ways I Recognize My White Privilege

Whites in America do not think much about race...because they do not have to.

65
Personal Image
Lyric Richardson

While reading this article I challenge you to come up with additional points and examples that could be added to this short list of white privileges. I receive every benefit and privilege that there is that comes with being a white person. I never fear being "out-grouped" in social or any other context because of my race. However, I can use my privileges to fight racist systems of power and speak up for those that have been silenced.

1. Being followed

In a grocery store later at night with a black friend, I noticed that we were being followed by a worker. I felt very uncomfortable and questioned myself if I was doing anything wrong, even though I knew I was not. My friend brushed it off and said he's "used to it".

2. Rudeness

Though I do have really bad days sometimes and people can be incredibly, unnecessarily rude, I will never have to worry about someone being rude to me BECAUSE of my race.

3. Medical care

I've required serious medical attention quite a few times in my life and each time I was given intense and complete care. Therefore, I was able to make full recoveries. Recent studies have shown that though doctors do not intend to be racist, they often subconsciously expect black women to be able to handle more pain.

4. Smoking weed

I can smoke weed (it's illegal where I live) in public spaces and not even worry that someone will confront me or call the police. Even if the police were called I'm convinced that they would take it very easy on me, perhaps just give me a warning and I, probably, wouldn't even receive a ticket.

5. Being intoxicated

I can walk around downtown Madison's busiest street, State Street, while heavily, visibly intoxicated and not worry about being approached by police or being seen as dangerous.

6. Being loud

I can shout and walk in large groups of other white people and I am not seen as a threat or as a member of a gang.

7. Intelligence

I can used improper grammar and not be seen as unintelligent.

8. Redlining

If I needed to move, I would not be affected by redlining. Additionally, I would most likely be accepted into whatever neighborhood community I join.

9. Media representation

When I turn on the television or go on any type of social media, I see my race heavily and sometimes solely represented.

10. Salons

I can walk into a common salon and expect that they know how to properly cut and take care of my specific type of hair.

11. Swearing

When I swear, I am seen as edgy, confident or funny, not dangerous and angry.

12. Tattoos

Tattoos on my white skin are also seen as edgy and cool.

13. Getting pulled over

If I am pulled over by a traffic cop, it's because I actually did something wrong. My race alone will not get me pulled over.

The harsh reality is, United States culture sees people of color as more dangerous and less human than whites. The culture degrades people of color by paying them less for the same work that whites do while also holding them to higher, unachievable standards. Police target people of color and kill unnecessarily because they are afraid of losing their racist dominance as a governmental authority figure.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
the beatles
Wikipedia Commons

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

94774
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments