1. Explain what McIntosh means by the concept of "white privilege and provide an example.
2. Does "white privilege" and "colorism" affect equality in the workplace?
3. How does this article help you to understand the oppression that members of other groups may experience?
4. Reread the list of 46 examples of white privilege and select five examples that seem the most significant in helping you to understand that white people are privileged. Explain your selections.
5. Complete the Privilege Checklist on pp. 27 and report the three most significant true statements and three most significant false statements.
6. Is colorism, in any form (intraracial and interracial), the same as white privilege?
7. Most of us have experienced privilege in some form. Describe an example from your experience.
a) McIntosh means that white privilege is the unearned advantages and benefits that come with being white in a society that is structured to benefit white people. An example of white privilege is being able to walk into a store without being followed or suspected of stealing.
b) Yes, white privilege and colorism affect equality in the workplace, as they create an environment where people of color may face discrimination and barriers to advancement based on their race or skin color.
c) This article helps me understand the oppression that members of other groups may experience by highlighting the systemic advantages and disadvantages that are built into society based on race and skin color.
d) Some significant examples of white privilege from McIntosh's list are: being able to expect to see people of your race in positions of power and authority, not having to educate your children about systematic racism, and being able to find representation of people of your race in media and educational resources.
Privilege Checklist:
a) Three most significant true statements: I have never been the only person of my race in a room, I have never been called a racial slur, I can easily find products that match my skin tone.
b) Three most significant false statements: I have never been denied a job because of my race, I have never experienced racism, I have never been told that I "act" white.
No, colorism is not the same as white privilege, as colorism affects individuals within and across racial groups based on their skin color, while white privilege specifically refers to the advantages afforded to white individuals in society.
An example of privilege from my experience is being able to easily find beauty products that cater to my skin tone, without having to search for specialized brands or products.
