The issue of white privilege

 When looking at the various problems in the world, we must consider that life isn’t always fair. Some people are provided safety, wealth and vast opportunities, while others live in oppression poverty and fear. This enormous juxtaposition present countless problems in our society that people are perpetually trying resolve. To what extent though? In the Kiese Laymon and Zandria Robinson dialogue recently, they brought this exact point to forefront of the conversation. A common idea among many white Americans according to the two speakers was that people now believe they understand their white privilege. Whites understand that they have the safety and wealth, as well the vast opportunities. While on the other hand blacks consistently received the short end of the stick filled with hunger, murder, drugs etc.  This understanding initially was progress due to the fact that people would not even talk about the idea of white privilege 10 years ago, but it still is simply not enough. Our politicians and leaders claim to want to bring everyone prosperity not just to wealthy elites. Yet, when it comes down to policy making there is nothing done to bring African Americans to a level playing field. The only way to provide equal opportunity for all is to specifically bring the group up that receives the least opportunity. The Leader of schools, business, and government remind us time and time again that they know they have white privilege and that has contributed to their success, but what are they going to do about it. This was the grand question that was raised by each speaker. The white communities of America see things like the Oscars, and realize they have gained advantages that black American never had, but still, they remain content with the system at large. Rather than advocating and striving for progressive change in social benefits for poorer black neighborhoods, and making college and job opportunities for blacks more available, whites are generally silent on black specific issue because they haven’t been hindered by these problems as badly. Consequently, preventing the country as whole from further progress.

 To acknowledge your privilege within the community, and to not try to actively balance the scale, is potentially more harmful than not knowing at all. By knowing of the advantage one has received, they have now been provided with the potential to be an active difference maker in the world, while the people who are uniformed lack the capacity to contribute. This next step of activism is essential to accurately using the phrase white privilege positively. Ms. Robison phrased it best by saying we must, “put in the work”. She advocates we must constantly as well as actively look to change the status quo of white elitisms and push for equality until we finally arrive. Thus, to say I know my privilege means nothing and to end the privilege means everything. (483 words)