Racial Privilege
Across the country, children from all backgrounds experience a time where discussions surrounding culture, race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, and gender identity are the center of their daily lives. Most people stay away from these discussions due to their fear of conversation regarding racism, race, and bias result in feelings of sadness, anger, discomfort, guilt, and in some cases, disrespect. In contemporary American society, everybody has an identity which shapes how we views ourselves and others. Cultural underpinnings and social norms influence our experiences and also sets the stage for our view of the world. Identity differences, along with struggles related to power and place, are woven all through our political and social culture as well as our history. Typically, whereas diversity remains a strength and hallmark of our country, the path leading to equity, mutual respect, and common ground has been wobbly for almost every ethnic, racial and religious group, which has become woven in the American fabric. The experience is also true for groups identified by particular characteristics and experiences such as disability, gender, and sexual orientation.
For numerous members of the dominant culture, that is, Whites residing in the US, being made knowledgeable concerning one’s classification as associated with prerogative is likely not welcomed or a common experience. Typically, a majority of people have never been required or even asked to think through their advantaged status as Whites in the United States in terms of racial identity. Personally, reflecting on the advantaged status, I have enjoyed as an American would make me feel uncomfortable or discordant with the prevalent narrative concerning political and social changes in the previous years. Considering simple life events I have enjoyed, such as shopping in a mall without fearing being followed or living in an area without fear of racial prejudice, are some evident advantages I have realized exist in society. The former is a fundamental disconnect which might exacerbate and also motivate racial and cultural divide in the nation as a result of a lack of knowledge of the contribution of unearned advantages to racial realities.
Unearned advantages define the merits that some people receive through their racial identities in society. It is imperative to note that groups which receive unearned advantages are not eligible to them as a result of their hard work. However, unearned advantages come about due to an individual’s affiliation, such as a white American, where I am highly likely to go to the mall without being suspected of stealing. The aforementioned unearned advantages are valuable things which everybody should get. However, they are often confined to some groups, such as a result of the ideals of the dominant culture which influence social and political decisions. While growing up, I have enjoyed some advantages due to my racial affiliation as a White American. While I was growing up, I have been involved in some mischievous activities with my friends, which is all part of growing up. In one particular instance, I disagreed with my friend, who is an African American. The conflict arose from our different perspectives concerning some acts and decisions of the government and the school administration. The conflict ended in a feud and exchange of racial-sensitive words where it appeared like we were demeaning each other’s’ race. When taken before the school administration for a display of misconduct. However, despite my obvious extreme show of racial prejudice, my friend was suspended due to his comments on Whites. I believe the decision highly favored me due to my race contrary to my friend who was African American, considering the entire administration is purely comprised of Whites