I didn’t write this, but it’s spot on and wanted to share it:
“The reason some white people don’t understand or see how they’re privileged is the very reason they ARE privileged. If you live through the day without thinking about your race, gender, ethnicity, or socio-economic status, you are privileged in that category.
Being privileged doesn’t mean having everything handed to you for free. It just means that you pay a smaller price for success since there aren’t as many obstacles and road blocks laid out on your path of life.
You don’t notice privilege until you feel oppression in one form or another. If you can’t see how the world provides more opportunities to or is easier to navigate for a white/male/able-bodied/U.S. native/upper to middle class citizen vs. a black/female/disabled/first generation immigrant…you are privileged.
I don’t expect white people to comprehend white privilege for the same reason I don’t resent men who laugh at the fact that I carry pepper spray on my walks after sunset.
With understanding comes guilt.
With guilt comes acceptance.
With acceptance comes a sense of responsibility.
With responsibility comes a need to change…and it’s not easy to change, but it doesn’t hurt to try.
You just have to be willing to throw aside everything you’ve ever been taught and learn for yourself.”
