I've skimmed replies so,far so there's a risk I might be repetitive.
It seems some in the thread suffer from the same confusion many do that prevents the conversation from evolving to meaningful change. The confusion centers on defensiveness and in my opinion hinges on the understanding of how the word 'privilege' is used. It's difficult for a white person who is constantly having their ass handed to them by life deeply engage in the dialogue. The response is typically along the lines of 'I don't get special treatment'. It's an easily understood and typical reaction.
The big problem is with perspective. A white person won't register the term privilege, because the itemization of what is considered privileged is 'normal'. The use of the term is problematic in this regard because what is really being sought after is the elimination of disparate treatment of minorities; i.e., less than normal. Many white people also simply don't know the everyday disadvantages minorities must navigate or if they are aware find it easy to dismiss because it's too horrible to consider real.
Much of this in turn comes from the fact that we are still far too segregated. It's a critical,aspect,of American culture that must be addressed, but I don't think this happens until identity politics is jettisoned in favor of equal treatment for all. I know this is already the mission, but the typical ways of approaching the subject alienate enough people that nothing happens.
It seems some in the thread suffer from the same confusion many do that prevents the conversation from evolving to meaningful change. The confusion centers on defensiveness and in my opinion hinges on the understanding of how the word 'privilege' is used. It's difficult for a white person who is constantly having their ass handed to them by life deeply engage in the dialogue. The response is typically along the lines of 'I don't get special treatment'. It's an easily understood and typical reaction.
The big problem is with perspective. A white person won't register the term privilege, because the itemization of what is considered privileged is 'normal'. The use of the term is problematic in this regard because what is really being sought after is the elimination of disparate treatment of minorities; i.e., less than normal. Many white people also simply don't know the everyday disadvantages minorities must navigate or if they are aware find it easy to dismiss because it's too horrible to consider real.
Much of this in turn comes from the fact that we are still far too segregated. It's a critical,aspect,of American culture that must be addressed, but I don't think this happens until identity politics is jettisoned in favor of equal treatment for all. I know this is already the mission, but the typical ways of approaching the subject alienate enough people that nothing happens.
