- What is “white privilege,” and do you believe it still exists in the criminal justice system?
White Privilege is defined as the advantageous gains that one gets for merely being part of the social group that is often excluded from systemic oppression. White privilege should not be confused with racism, but it can only be attributing that racism, in some way, led to the development of white privilege. Unfortunately, it is regrettable to say that at this age and era, white opportunity still exists in the Criminal Judicial System.
- If so, how do whites and non-whites experience being labeled a criminal differently?
Over the years, the history of the United States has often created the mentality in both the white and non-white communities that the black people’s behavior is associated with criminal activities. This has been disadvantageous since the law to date still targets the black community, and on the other hand, white people are getting away with similar crimes. Therefore, being a non-white makes someone a ‘more criminal’ compared to the white.
- Why do you believe white privilege persists? Whom does it benefit most, and why?
White privilege still exists because the people of America still lives based on racial lines. The system has not changed despite the tremendous steps that have been made to do away with racism. The criminal justice balance is still tilted, and the leading group that benefits are the whites. It creates a superiority mentality.
- African Americans and Latinos tend to have a more negative perception of police. In your opinion, is this warranted? Why or why not?
African Americans still have a negative perception of the law enforcers. This is not warranted, and it’s high time that they appreciate the fact that they are part of the system. They have to acknowledge that for any significant steps to be made towards eradicating white privilege is for them to embrace law enforcers. They also have worked together with the enforcers to root out those criminals hiding in their midst.
References
Cornel West. (1994) “’Race Matters” Vintage Publishers.
NG coalition against Sexual Assault, “White Privilege and the Justice System” https://njcasa.org/news/i-only-wanted-outercourse-brock-turner-white-privilege-and-the-justice-system/