White Privilege

3 Pages 725 Words

Cultural Anthropology






White Privilege… I Don’t Think So!


Mr. Colin Powell Chief of Staff Black Male
Ms. Condoleeza Rice National Security Advisor Black Female
Mr. David Satcher Surgeon General Black Male
Ms. Antonia Novello ex. Surgeon General Hispanic Female
Mr. Thurgood Marshall Supreme Court Justice Black Male - deceased
Mr. Clarence Thomas Supreme Court Justice Black Male
Ms. Sandra Day O’Connor Supreme Court Justice White Female
Ms. Ruth Bader Ginsburg Supreme Court Justice White Female
Mr. R.J. Reynolds CEO Top Fortune 500 Co. Black Male- deceased
Mr. Andrew Young U.S. Ambassador to U.N. Black Male


America, being initially a British colony, will of coarse have a “white” history. In the days of slavery, the term “white privilege”, I am sure, had a true basis in everyday life. But can the term “white privilege” or even “male privilege” be used today to describe social subconscious thought? Perhaps it is my “white male denial syndrome” but I don’t think so.
In an essay entitled “White Privilege: Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack”, Peggy McIntosh goes on to list many items in her argument of white privilege. The root of her premise is that being a white person elicits subconscious advantages in society. Also, the white segment of society, especially the male portion, subconsciously oppresses all others. In my opinion it is people like this, with lists like hers, that continue the racial and gender divide. They need help.
In her essay, McIntosh lists 26 examples of white privilege. I am sure she has more but I will choose a few from her list to examine. I will start with an easy one…

9. I can go into a music shop and count on finding the music of my race represented, into a supermarket and find the staple foods that fit with my cultural traditions, into a hairdresser’s shop and find someone who can cut my hair.

In my experience, music shop shelves are buri...