This started as a comment in response to a diary today “New study shows Whites use personal hardships to dismiss that they benefit from White Privilege” but I thought deserved a diary of its own. (This is only my second diary. Please forgive any breach of etiquette and let me know so I can fix them if there are any.)
I have seen many diaries on White Privilege, with some people defending or denying, and many people wanting to understand but unable to truly understand other people’s experiences. We are each so steeped in our own race, class, and experiences that it is difficult to look beyond them even when we try. That is not an excuse, just reality, and that is why I think this might be helpful.
My only request is that people try to hear other people’s experiences for what they are, not as an attack or blame but as another person’s reality, and to try to be honest with yourself and others about your own experiences.
A thought experiment in college helped me put ‘privilege’ in perspective. It might be a good exercise for people here to try. We were told to list all of the 'privileges' that White Males have, then White females, then Black (or PoC) Males, Black (or PoC) females, and LGTB. We then compared answers.
As I thought about things I as a White straight woman could do compared to a LGTB person, one of the things I wrote down was 'hold hands with my partner in public.'
That isn't something that most people would even think about being a privilege, and yet in this society it is not something everyone can do without facing repercussions.
Here is another one. Walk down the street alone at night. Some will argue that this one is a little complicated, since there are specific areas of town where no one can, and other areas where a White man can but PoC can’t, and yes, even a few places where specific ethnic groups can but a White man could not. Overall however, I think most sane people (not trolls) would agree that on the average suburban American street, White men can go where they please without looking over their shoulders all of the time.
Women of all colors would be more alert and aware they might be in danger, find someone to walk with them, or find a way not to be there at all. They would think about what they were wearing, trying to stay in well-lit places, and generally being on guard. I seldom walk any street after dark, and I live in a relatively ‘good’ town, and when I do I am always alert and aware of my own body language, the people around me, and the potential consequences of my ‘choice’ to walk alone.
Men of color might be looking for police, thinking about looking harmless or trying to make sure they avoid anything that might look suspicious. I am just guessing here since I am not someone of this group, so I would very much like more clarifications in the comments.
LGBT people are likely to be even more nervous, but again I have no direct experience. Comments?
What is your experience?
More below the squiggly thought cloud...