Racism is still after 200 years one of the most dominant political/social issues of our time. The case of the white mother who had given birth to a half black baby as a result of a sperm bank mix-up really highlights the topics of racism and white privilege in the United States. The white mother has filed a lawsuit for damages for emotional distress against the sperm bank. There are several points to address: the white mother treating her black child different, the social and cultural surroundings that in part that are racist, and the validity of her law suit. White privilege is a result of the cultural/social background of the United States as well as the subtle racism that’s still exists.
This case says a lot about the cultural background in the United States in relation to white privilege. I would argue that this case isn’t a problem of a racist couple, but rather a racial and intolerant society. The mother’s main concerns stem from the society and cultural pressure. Her fears of her parents judging the baby, the “black hair cut” Clifton (2014), and the white school are all valid concerns. She has the concerns of what a black mother would normally have. My problem with this statement is it generalizes once again.
Racism and stereotypes are intertwined. By generalizing what all black mothers go through, it is using stereotypes to justify arguments. The child’s black hair cut situation really stuck in my head. The expectation of how a black girl should have her hair done is insane to me. According to Clifton (2014) “As just one example, getting a young daughter’s hair cut is not particularly stressful for most mothers, but to Jennifer it is not a routine matter because Payton has the typical hair of a African American Girl.”.
. . weightless knapsack of special provisions, maps, passports, codebooks, visas, clothes, tools and black checks.” White privilege, racism, and cultural stereotypes are complex topics that ultimately are interconnected. As a result of the interconnection and its deep roots in American culture, ultimately it will take a countrywide effort to confront these issues. The racially intolerant societies in America, as well as the double-edged sword of white privilege, and the subtle racism that is all too common all have an impact on American people.
The case of the women having a mixed baby is not the problem, the problem is the black hair cut style or the example of black children being sent to the office for less serious offenses then their white counterparts. In conclusion, I believe that white privilege exists because of cultural stereotyping as well as subtle racism.
