This document is housed in the records of the Social J ustice Center (APAP-
177) in the ME. Grenander Denar e PRI PAEHOE ections and Archives,
University Libraries, University y, SUNY:
White privilege as a powerful tool to challenge racism
We first need to identify, then acknowledge the experience
It’s an invisible (to those who have it,) obscured thomy concept
And when we do get hold of it, doesn’t feel very good. Usually guilt, denial and
defensiveness show up first.
Two faces: Granted White Privilege and Internalized white Privilege
Core Privileges
Being an Individual
Granted example: I am treated as an individual, not as part of the white group. I don’t have
to represent or reflect the abilities or traits of ALL white people. Internalized example: I can feel
like an individual. “I’m not white, I’m just me.”
If I screw up...
It is not a reflection on all white people.
It’s not seen that way by other white people or people of color
AND I don’t have to feel my actions reflect on all white people
“T eared it.” People perceive i earned it. And I can feel I earned it.
“rugged Individual” and Bootstrap” Propaganda is at work
Internalized result: my inflated sense of self, illusion of superiority
Speak in Universals
I can believe my perspective is the valid one
I have a false sense of the universality of my perspectives, perceptions,
experiences, responses, knowledge.
The Default Option
Is always available to me; I can challenge racism only when
convenient, safe and easy; when my benefit and self interest are clear
I can remain unconscious
The Intervention of Acceptance
At stores, banks, schools, unemployment or welfare office,
hospital, courts, bars
It’s active intervention
Assumption of belonging
Appearance: I feel acceptable in less than my ‘Sunday Best’
Exemption from effects of racism and internalized racism
I never had to face or overcome the debilitating effects of
either.
WHITE PRIVILEGE + PASSION FOR JUSTICE = WHITE ANTI-RACIST
joan olsson
