Analysis Of The Article White Privilege: Unpacking The Invisible Backpack

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In the article, “White Privilege: Unpacking the Invisible Backpack” by Peggy McIntosh, it addressed white privilege that many whites don’t acknowledge. McIntosh defines white privilege “as an invisible package of unearned assets which I can count on cashing in each day” (McIntosh,1989, p.1). McIntosh states that “I enjoy my unearned skin privileges” (McIntosh,1989, p.1). White privilege is an unfair advantage that damages culture. What is the relationship of white privilege and white supremacy? These ideas a seen as two separate ideas to many. I thought they were two separate ideas, until this week’s reading. “White power and privilege is termed as White Supremacy” (Sensory & DiAngelo 2011, p. 120). White Supremacy isn’t the Ku Klux Klan …show more content…

Years later, racism and violence against these ethnic group still exist. “Racism is a form of oppression in which on racial group dominates over others” (Sensory & DiAngelo, 2011, p. 100). Racism does not move back and forth, one day benefiting Whites and another benefiting people of Color. Because of Whites social and institutional power, the prejudice and discrimination towards people of Color become racism. People of Color may have prejudice and discrimination towards Whites as well, but there is not significant social or institutional impact. This is where white privilege and racism met in my opinion. The privilege of social and institutional power are “only available to the dominant group” (Sensory & DiAngelo, 2011, p …show more content…

Some believe that cultural deficit theory accounted for these disparities. When in reality, there is something wrong within the dominant culture that plays a role in these disparities (Sensory & DiAngelo, p. 106). Poor Whites are elevated due to their white privileges. The meaning of poor in African American, poor and Asian, or poor and Indian was a completely different experience. Some believe not noticing race will end racism, while other believe not noticing their privilege will end racism. Changing racism, requires a lifetime commitment. Being a friend to a person of Color, going to school with people of Color, living in neighborhoods with people of Color or blame people of Color is not the answer to ending racism. Education about the complexity of racism is key to ending racism (Sensory & DiAngelo, p. 124). Whites experiences of being the minority gives them some understanding of people of Color experiences, but these experience are