Peggy Mcintosh's White Privileges

Peggy McIntosh describes and lists the white privileges that an individual of that ethnic background obtains over an individual of a different ethnic background. McIntosh identifies some of the effects of white privilege and how it shapes her life. I, like McIntosh, am white and most, if not all, of what she lists additionally applies to my life. For instance, she states “I can criticize my government without fear and being seen as an outsider, I can go shopping alone assured that I will not be harassed, and I can turn on the television and see people of my race widely and positively represented.” I chose these three statements due to the fact that they are extremely applicable in my life. However, when comparing these privileges to my best friend, she …show more content…
However, most of what she lists off is still applicable to present day conditions. White and male privileges are still very common in America today. For example, in todays society, social media is central to our daily lives. Many individuals express their opinions through these sources of social media and its effects can be harmful to those with a certain skin color. For instance, I can go on social media and see pictures of girls with have my racial background as being seen as beautiful by society. Furthermore, I can go on social and see new law proposals without being oppressed or worried for my family. There have been many protests, movements, and awareness concerning hate crimes and it is important to recognize the ways in which I, along with many others, reap the benefits of unearned skin privileges within my daily life. Those who have advantages due to their skin color have been taught and conditioned to ignore its existence into oblivion as long as it seems to benefit them. However, ignoring these unfair advantages are paradoxically harming us and this, we must