White Privilege and Affirmative Action Privilege is defined as “a special advantage or authority possessed by a particular person or group” in the Cambridge Dictionary (“privilege”). Globally, white individuals are often granted privileges than minority groups do not receive. While white privilege often goes unnoticed by white individuals, it causes many disadvantages for people of color and affects how they see themselves. Furthermore, Affirmative Action attempts to equal the playing field for minorities but is faced with contention by many white people. When asked about white privilege, many whites believe that it is a myth while others deny the existence of white privilege entirely.
However, white privilege is not a myth. White privilege is very prevalent in society and uniquely effects many different groups. Peggy McIntosh discusses white privilege in her article “White Privilege: Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack.” McIntosh states, “I have come to see while privilege as an invisible package of unearned assets which I can count on cashing in each day, but about which I was, “meant” to remain oblivious” (par. 3). While white privilege benefits whites, it often has an adverse effect on people of color.
White privilege comes in many forms. One white privilege is that being white is seen as normal. This is evident when looking at product sold in “flesh color.” Bandages, hosiery, and undergarments are often marketed as “flesh tone” but are sold in tones that match white skin (McIntosh par. 8; Holladay par. 5).
It is normal to see prominently white representation in toys, products, advertisements, movies, and television (McIntosh par. 8). In 2007, Rothenburg did a study regarding racial identity in children (McFeeters par. 6). Ro. .
n. Many individuals oppose Affirmative Action. There has been several court case but courts often agree with Affirmative Action plans along as the plan follows rules set forth by executive orders and the Civil Rights Act. Those opposed often say that Affirmative Action is “reverse racism.” Individuals against Affirmative Action feeling can be best describe with this quote “Equality can feel like oppression. But it’s not.
What you’re feeling is just the discomfort of losing a little bit of your privilege” (Boeskool par. 21). White privilege can be seen in society today. White individual greatly benefit from this privilege, often times without realizing or completely denying that they are receiving a privilege. People of color are very aware of these privileges that they are often denied. People of color and minorities suffer as a direct result from white privilege.
