White Skin Privilege Myth

Words: 1012
Pages: 5
Open Document
To claim that white skin privilege is a myth is neglecting to unveil the layers of reparations made to efface the wrongs of the past, and essentially disregarding the current social injustice that has impeded any hopes for social reconstruction and progression. For any hope of progression, the ideology must be ascertained as real to those who perceive it as a myth. When taking a deeper look at the term “White skin privilege,” the ambiguity and different connotations attached to its definition has taken away from its validity. Those who know little about the term, (know little about “privilege” itself) find attaching a color to the word “privilege” presumptuous; therefore, are more inclined to assert it as a myth. White skin privilege, specifically, …show more content…
Teacher and writer and activist Paul Kivel has maintained that the benefits white receive and the non-whites are often deprived of are better residential choice, education opportunities, and police protection (D’Angelo 2009). Kivel’s assertion parallels my thoughts on the issue of white privilege. As I mentioned before, renouncing the existence of white skin privilege is overlooking the current examples that evince its existence. Economic inequity and education opportunities, are all evidence of the white skin privilege, and by overlooking them, we are not only dispelling the existence of the white skin privilege, but we are also deemphasizing its significant impact on …show more content…
White skin privilege rendered non-white individuals from obtaining an equal amount of opportunities. That essentially outlines the issue of racial inequality. As Kivel asserted, whites are given some benefits. The benefits expand to better living spaces, police protection, and education opportunities. Statistics from the article “Students of Color Still Receiving Unequal Education” show the drastic trends in schools holding nonwhite kids and the amount of money received compared to predominantly white schools. The mind-boggling numbers further evince the reality behind white skin privilege. By examining the text, and analyzing the assertions made by Kivel and Wise (to separate sides to an argument), I can attest that white skin privilege is not a myth, but a microcosmic issue to racial inequality. It is imperative that we perceive white skin privilege as a valid concept. Relying on the civil right reforms of the past will leave us stagnant; no change or progression will transpire if we attach the stigma that minorities playing the race card when referring to white skin
Show More

Related Documents: White Skin Privilege Myth

Model Minority Myth

Educational Experiences and Challenges Asian Americans experience many microaggressions and biases in the U.S. school system. The “model minority” myth has been a big problem, praising Asian Americans for their academic achievements while ignoring the diversity and struggles within the Asian community. This myth sets unrealistic standards, and it ignores the educational barriers faced by the Asian community, many of whom are refugees and face tremendous socioeconomic difficulties. It also ignores…

Words 799 - Pages 4

White Privilege In Social Work

realized how blinded I’ve been by growing up in a predominately white community. This semester was the first time I’ve ever heard the words “white privilege.” I didn’t quite understand what those words meant until viewing a short video in Dr. Pax’s class called, Silent Beats. It was such a powerful and moving experience for me. Without the use of any words, this video depicted exactly what white privilege is. I began to understand that, as a white person, if I lived my life identically to a black person…

Words 945 - Pages 4

White Privilege Analysis

from culture to culture, women to men, black to white and even more now than ever gay to straight. As I was pondering which diversity topic to write about it hit me. I wanted to write about something that I really felt would help me, and diversify me. So I chose to write about the white privilege and how it impacts the workplace. I have had many conversations about this topic and I have seen many views and opinions on it. For the most part, white privilege, is not seen as a diversity that is at a disadvantage…

Words 1803 - Pages 8

Fortgang Check My Privilege Analysis

There is a fine line between striving through advantages, and struggling through disadvantages. According to Fortgang, Checking My Privilege: Character as the basis of Privilege highlights his personal pride of his ancestors, and their fortitude journey forward, generation by generation, into a better life. It all began decades ago, when his grandfather and grandbrother fled for Poland to avoid the Nazis, and his grandmother died after being weakened from a death march, and concentration camp. From…

Words 949 - Pages 4

American History X Essay

brother Derek Vinyard. Derek was convicted for murdering two black men that attempted to steal his car. Derek’s prejudicial attitude toward non-whites stemmed from racial narratives and communications expressed by his father and culminated with the murder of his father at the hands of African Americans who attempted to rob him. Derek established a white supremacist group after the death of his father; his beliefs and antics enticed his younger brother Danny to grow up just like him and share…

Words 1597 - Pages 7

Personal Narrative: Box Bid At Banana Republic

Title Today I went into work at Banana Republic, at the Winchester Mall, a “white” district manager popped in for a visit. I was told to go to the office and speak with my manager, Michael, who is a white man. I came in to his office and he questioned me about the dress code. Immediately I thought there was something wrong with my outfit, but he was more concerned about my hair instead. He told me that my braids were not Banana Republic appropriate, and that my hair was to “urban” and “unkempt” for…

Words 1736 - Pages 7

Race And Ethnicity

Religion * Symbols * There is some element of choice. * Historically the word ethnicity has referred to people who have shared blood or family or are related through marriage. Race: Refers to superficial physical differences, such as skin color, that cannot be changed. * Concept that is socially constructed * Something that does not occur naturally. * Over time a process has meant that those superficial physical differences have taken on societal meaning. * Built…

Words 1547 - Pages 7

Reflection Precis 4: The Land Of Opportunity And Other Myths

Reflection Precis 4, The Land of Opportunity and Other Myths (March 6-8, 2018) 108788 Part I: During these two sessions, Dr. Jendian spoke about the ideology of Faith in Progress which is when we trust that everything will get better with the time. However, this idea leads individuals to ignore significant problems such as racism and discrimination. Loewen (284) argues that, “…Americans could be persuaded to ignore the injustice of social class if they thought the economic pie kept…

Words 1082 - Pages 5

i have a dream Essay

The Myth of the Latin Woman: / Just Met a Girl Named Maria Judith Ortiz Cofer On a bus trip to London from Oxford University where I was earning some graduate credits one summer, a young man, obviously fresh from a pub, spotted me and as if struck by inspiration went down on his knees in the aisle. With both hands over his heart he broke into an Irish tenor's rendition of "Maria" from West Side Story. My politely amused fellow passengers gave his lovely voice the round of gentle applause…

Words 2698 - Pages 11

The Mandatory Veil Research Paper

to other women and how Black women view themselves. Black woman were required to do everything a man could do but still not view as a woman or a person. She is begging the audience (society) to tell her another difference besides the color of her skin that discredits her as being a woman and human being. Back then, she could not go to the police about these oppressions that frequent her. There were no laws to reinforce her dignity or her gender. Luckily, Truth was brave enough to stand up and…

Words 2292 - Pages 10