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White People Shouldn’t Be Afraid of the Term ‘White Privilege’
If everyone is willing to have these discussions with context and nuance, then it doesn’t need to be contentious
As debates continue to rage about social justice, there’s been nitpicking galore as to whether the term “privilege” is useful or appropriate. Many say it reflects the realistic injustices faced by marginalized groups whereupon people who belong to a specific category are favored. Many others claim that it fails to see people’s full humanity or recognize an accurate confluence of lived experiences.
More than two decades ago, I entered college. Initially, I felt confused and defensive when I was told that I possess “privilege.” However, after studying the intent behind sociological usage of the word “privilege,” I currently have no problem with how it’s applied.
To me, its semantic function makes sense. I know there are unearned advantages I receive due to being White. It doesn’t make me a bad person, nor is it necessarily an indictment of my character.
It does, however, reflect certain barriers faced by Black and Brown people that I will rarely ever face — particularly in a systemic context.
