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White Privilege

Simplifying the term "white privilege"

By Madeline KeysPublished 4 years ago 3 min read
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Credit to @courtneyahndesign on Instagram

Throughout this article I will be using the photos I found on @courtneyahndesign 's Instagram because she so beautifully and simply laid out the meaning of white privilege in a way everyone can understand. All credits to her, go give her a follow!

With the unsettling and infuriating event of the shooting of Ahmaud Arbery, it has forced many Americans to think about the ongoing racism and racial tensions that still exist in our world. "White Privilege" is a term that often makes white people defensive and offended when in reality it is a definition of the built-in advantages for simply not being a person of color. Nobody chooses the skin tone they will be born as, but they can choose every single day how they will treat those who do not look like them. In an effort to fight the injustice people of color regularly deal with as a white person, it's important to first understand the meaning of White Privilege.

According to the dictionary, the definition of white privilege is: (noun) inherent advantages possessed by a white person on the basis of their race in a society characterized by racial inequality and injustice. Having white privilege does not mean you are racist, it only should help you recognize the historical and ongoing racism and biases that exist. To fight racial injustice as a white person, it helps to admit that in some ways you benefit from the oppression of people of color.

White privilege is in every aspect of society and racism exists in two forms. One form is individual racism meaning the prejudice that can exist in our own thoughts against people of color. However, no racist thought is entirely individual as we know that children do not start of racist in their own thoughts. So the second form of racism is systemic racism. Systemic racism is not through person to person interactions, but rather how the society overall operates in ways favoring white people. Even with anti-discrimination laws, systemic racism continues throughout the healthcare system, criminal justice system, incarceration, employment, education, income level, and many other ways.

A part of white privilege is not having to have the heartbreaking conversation with your children about how they will often be treated less than just because of the color of their skin. White people have the privilege of assuming they are welcome in a room and having the majority of people look like them. People of color have to work harder just because of the color of their skin. As a white person, white privilege does not mean we haven't worked hard to get where we are or that we have never experienced hardships, but as @courtneyahndesign puts it, the color of our skin is not one of the things making our lives harder!

Now that the meaning of white privilege is more clear and we can accept that it is a very real thing, we can more efficiently make a difference in fighting injustice. Remember, it's one thing to not be racist but it's another thing to make an effort to not allow even little bit of racial injustice to continue. As a white person you can use the voice you've been given in society to stand up for minorities so that one day we can all finally be seen as equal.

I appreciate you taking time to read this. If you liked what you read please take a moment to like and share with friends and family. Also be sure to check out my profile to see more topics I've written on and if you're feeling generous my tips are always open. Thank you!

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About the Creator

Madeline Keys

I'm just a writer trying to find her voice. I'm passionate about writing things I'm learning about and things I've experienced.

I hope you enjoy exploring my page!

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