Peggy Mcintosh's White Privilege Papers

. Institutional racism and sexism is still occurring, because public policies and laws have created social class disparities. Institutional racism occurred because African Americans were not allowed to buy homes in certain neighborhoods. For instance, African Americans could not buy homes in neighborhoods that were in the suburbs. African Americans were denied homes because of their race. More simply, Caucasians believed the value of the neighborhood would decrease if African Americans moved in the area. In addition, institutional racism still occurs because Caucasians are offered privileges and resources that minorities are denied. For instance, Caucasians were offered higher loans, they were offered nicer homes, and they could purchase a home in any neighborhood. In other words, when African Americans were trying to purchase a home they were not given the same opportunity or resources that Caucasians were given.

In her paper, I could relate to many arguments that she presented. For instance, number five on her list she mentioned that she can go into a store and shop without being harassed or followed by people in the store. I could relate to this argument, because I have gone into stores and I have been followed. Namely, my friend and I were in Las Vegas shopping and every store we went into security followed us and clerks stayed close by us at all times. McIntosh’s paper illustrates how white privilege allow Caucasians to be carefree, while minorities are constantly judged based on their race. White privilege does influence life. I usually notice white privilege in professional settings. For instance, at work most minorities are talked to about their performance or attire, while Caucasians are rarely talked to about their deficient performance of attire. In other words, when I am at work or in a professional setting I notice the effect of white