2. Why do you think it was personally important for her to create and inventory of unearned privileges she experiences as a white person?
I think it was important for Peggy McIntosh, author of White Privileges: Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack, to write down her privileges as a white person to keep herself grounded. I think she realized all the privileges she had but hadn't noticed or had taken for granted before. She probably did it as a reminder that she is lucky in some aspects compared to other people. She worked in women's studies and used to fight only for gender equality, but then she realized that race equality is also important. I think she kind of felt disadvantaged as a women, but then realized its the same way for people who, basically, aren't white, and even harder for women of color. It made her not take her privileges for granted. Once she realized this she realized that something should be done. She never blames white people for having "white privilege" because its not like its their fault, they did not ask for it, most times they don't even realize they have it. But she thinks more people should be aware of their privileges and hopes of a future where everyone is treated more fairly. At the end she says that they should "use their arbitrarily awarded power to reconstruct power systems on a broader base." I think its good that she realized the injustices going on and wants a difference to be made. Her inventory probably makes her remember each day that she is privileged and makes her want to work harder to make people aware and find a way to help the problem.
I agree with your post. I believe Peggy McIntosh created an inventory of her unearned privileges she experiences as a white person in order to remind herself of all the advantages she might have been completely unaware of before. Throughout her paper she compares "white privilege" to "male privilege". Peggy talks about how both types of privilege "have been conditioned into oblivion...". Being a white woman she experiences an advantage and disadvantage at the same time so to speak. By creating this list she is able to see how no one is really to blame but is more so stating what she can do/what is easier because of her skin color. Peggy seems to believe that everyone needs to focus more on their advantages and not take those for granted. Additionally, acknowledging our privileges will allow for positive steps forward toward ending oppression of those who seem to be at a disadvantage.
ReplyDelete4. Should people be responsible for the disadvantages of others outside of their personal identity groups?
ReplyDeleteI think for me personally, even though I completely understand how difficult it might be, the answer is yes. We should absolutely acknowledge and even do our best to help those who have disadvantages outside of our normal groups. The author of this article made a good point when she said that such disadvantages are not made clear to those of an alleged superior race. I very much believe that no one is superior, but I must admit that I am not always aware of the influences that white privilege has had on me. If we are to make sure that no one group of people has power over another, we must all constantly remind ourselves and remind each other that we are taking things for granted and that we need to make a conscious effort to dial back any self centered or ignorant thoughts. Only then can we move towards a society where everyone has equal opportunity no matter what circumstance or feature may set you apart. As the saying goes, the first step to solving a problem is acknowledging that there is one. When one group is at a disadvantage because of the selfish actions of others, that is simply unfair. We must take up the responsibility of making sure that never happens.
I agree with what you said about documenting those examples to keep her grounded, but I also have another answer to question 2. I'm not disagreeing with you at all, but I think she included these in the article to give people whom are uneducated about white privilege something to think about. I'm sure there are people out there unaware of white privilege and by giving these examples, she's putting it out there so we can check ourselves.
ReplyDelete