The current climate of racism brings lots of grief, tension, and a variety of feelings. Throughout the week, there have been various situations where white privilege has been abused, but can also be helpful if used correctly.
I will start with how white privilege can be dangerous when it is abused or denied. These are examples of white privilege as a dangerous weapon:
Scenario 1: Responding to Black Lives Matter by saying "All lives matter."
Why is white privilege used incorrectly here?
It dismisses the hardships of the black community. It revolves the world around those who claim all lives matter. Racism has affected the black community consistently since the dawn of time. The "All lives matter" argument is implying that most lives matter, which is insensitive to say when black lives need our help most in times like these. All lives matter won't matter until black lives do.
Scenario 2: Countering the BLM movement with statements of why your life has been hard when it has NOTHING to do with race.
Why it's a problem: Check scenario 1 again. It's revolving the world around you. If you're white, just shut up and listen. All white privilege means is your skin color is not making your life difficult.
Scenario 3: Responding with "It happens to white people too," or denying there is a race issue at all.
Why: Sure, murder happens to white people, but unfortunately, America has been systematically built to benefit white people most. Systemic racism has existed for many years, such as the times of segregation of white and black people during the 1960's, and it still does to this day. White people are not the ones who have been consistently murdered and oppressed due to their skin color.
Scenario 4: Denying that white privilege exists.
Why it's a problem: One who denies white privilege is one who is staying silent on racism and doing nothing to stop it. One who denies white privilege is oblivious to the constant racism the black community has faced for many years.
White privilege can be a dangerous weapon if not used correctly or if it is abused. Recognize it. Don't abuse it. Use it the right way.
