The Beatitudes Overcome Racism - Part 4 of 9 (scroll down if you wish to read the series in order)
White
Privilege – I hear this frequently, but what is it?
It’s the
invisible package of benefits that white people can count on each day, but
about which they are meant to remain oblivious.
First coined by author Peggy McIntosh[1] in 1988, these benefits are systems
of business, education, politics, and social services historically created
and dominated by white people that promote anything “white” as
normal, desirable, and moral. This
also describes systemic racism.
McIntosh gives many examples of situations about which a white person never
has to think, such as:
- that my race will prevent me from doing certain activities;
- that my race will reduce the ability to access qualified legal
or medical help;
- that posters, post-cards, picture books, greeting cards, dolls,
toys and children's magazines will feature people of my race.
Other examples of white privilege include:
White people are less likely to be followed, interrogated or
searched by law enforcement because they look “suspicious.”
The products white people need for their hair being in the aisle labelled
“hair care” rather than in a smaller, separate section of “ethnic hair
products.”
A study conducted in Australia… In the experiment, people of different
racial and ethnic identities tried to board public buses, telling the driver
they didn’t have enough money to pay for the ride. Researchers documented more
than 1,500 attempts. The results: 72 percent of white people were allowed to
stay on the bus. Only 36 percent of black people were extended the same
kindness.[2]
Oh my, and this
is JUST THE TIP OF THE ICEBERG! I admit,
I am unknowingly complicit by virtue of my skin color. I admit, that subconsciously, I do expect
certain opportunities and privileges. I
admit my failure to see the disparities between my skin color and people of
color. This is not right!
I pray: Lord, I am overwhelmed and without skills to deal with this!
Jesus says, “Blessed
are the meek, for they will inherit the land.” (Matthew
5:5)
I pray: Lord, I need your help to make a difference!
God answers: “Trust me and
seek me with all your heart. I will
bring clarity and direct your path.” (Proverbs
3:5,6)
God answers: You will be My light that reveals the blessing of a new landscape for loving others. (Matthew 5:14-16)
Thank you, Lord!
[1] McIntosh, Peggy, excerpted essay White
Privilege: Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack, Winter 1990 issue of
Independent School magazine, https://www.racialequitytools.org/resourcefiles/mcintosh.pdf, accessed 2020 08 21.
[2] Collins, Cory, article: What is White Privilege, Really? Fall 2018 issue of Teaching Tolerance magazine, https://www.tolerance.org/magazine/fall-2018/what-is-white-privilege-really, accessed 2020 08 21.
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