Inequality persists in society.
The rich get richer. The youth is shielded from particular problems. And attractive people are likely to enjoy several benefits because of their beauty.
These experiences may seem substantial, but they only encompass the tip of the privileges threatening to topple society to a singular side. Beneath these is a more prevalent injustice that revolves around repulsive systems and is founded on the distasteful side of history. We’re all exposed to a stark reality, some experience. But it has already been deeply woven into society that we now rarely bat an eye.
Is white privilege real?
And if it is, is it gradually destroying humanity?
What Does White Privilege Mean?
DeHaven Jacque Alexander author of Racism in White America, writes a rather personal sentiment about racism, tackling the ever-widespread question: Is white privilege real?
As a man who’s had first-hand experiences of what it entails to be black in a predominantly white society favoring the color, DeHaven has written a powerful account that gives his readers a much-needed reality check. The book serves as a mirror, prompting them to look at themselves and examine any entitlements they’re enjoying simply because they’re born shades lighter than the others. It urges them to look into their lives and explore whether they’ve taken advantage of complexities.
Before answering the question, “Is white privilege real?” let’s first unpack what it means.
In its simplest, most trivial form, white privilege is being able to watch a TV series and see white people being widely represented. But on a more serious note, white privilege is being able to go out without experiencing unfair stereotypes or racial profiling.
White privilege comprises societal advantages that are only limited to white people who often remain unaware of these benefits. Deeply rooted in society, white privilege unconsciously manifests across different aspects of life. Here are some critical insights.
Understanding White Privilege Through Numbers
The extent to which white privilege is observed is expansive throughout society. At first glance, it might not seem too much that people still question “Is white privilege real.” But from a bigger picture, the problem is more severe and pressing than it seems. Race-based gaps are becoming more evident as time goes by, and nothing else is to be blamed but racism.
Economic Inequalities
A 2023 research states that white households hold 84.5% of all US wealth despite only making up 77% of households. There’s an overwhelming severity of inequality, especially knowing that only 3.4% of the US wealth is possessed by black households.
In relation to this disproportionate wealth distribution also comes severe cases of homelessness in the United States. Further proving the existence of white privilege, the minority suffers more, with more than 40% of them being homeless despite only comprising 13% of the state’s general population.
Employment and Education
A massive part of racism falls on the blacks’ exclusion of what should’ve been fundamental rights such as education. Regardless of whether they show potential or not, black students have always lagged behind their counterparts. There are many notable factors to consider that might’ve contributed to this. But one dynamic might be the most pressing justification: black students are treated differently.
While these differences aren’t malicious in most cases, some are unavoidably due to implicit biases. Black students are likely to be suspended or expelled. Those who are excelling are less likely to be grouped under gifted programs. These unjust treatments spark inequality in educational attainment, leading to further injustices around employment rates.
Justice System
To answer the question: Is white privilege real, people can easily refer to the population in prisons. In the UK alone, the prosecution rates for black people are three times higher than their white counterparts, with sentencing disproportionately detrimental for them.
In the US, there are also severe cases of racial profiling and aggression against black individuals. Overall, these individuals report feeling more unsafe in their communities than their white counterparts. The reason for this revolves around the fact that white individuals are given “the benefit of the doubt,” more especially when interacting with law enforcement.
There are definitely more cases of injustices recorded in society, but these are amongst the most resounding ones. The US has been systemically racist in history. This has been maintained throughout generations, as most have unconsciously enjoyed its benefits.
The Existence of Black Privilege
Surprisingly, to counteract the existence of white privilege, people have come up with a contradictory concept called “black privilege.”
The truth about white privilege may be summed up under the belief that they have it easy. But in terms of black privileges, people also believe black people have it good. It’s a spin at the narrative, highlighting how these individuals seem to have “taken advantage” of the prevalent fight against racism. Due to its sensitive nature, this concept has spotlighted how whites are now seemingly walking on eggshells regarding what’s culturally sound or not, what’s appreciation or degradation.
So, Is White Privilege Real?
Black people might have had it hard in the past, but because of movements like “Black Lives Matter,” some believe they have it good.
Over the years, in order to uplift their lives and fight racism, it’s believed that blacks have managed to overturn society, and now whites are becoming the racially oppressed majority. However, obviously, the numbers stated above prove otherwise. White individuals still have life easy compared to their counterparts. The “black privilege” only seems to downplay or dismiss their continuous struggle.
To answer the question, “Is white privilege real?” we must unravel the meaning of privilege.
At its core, privilege exists when a group or someone has something that is denied to others because of categorization or groups. With everything that has happened with blacks throughout history and how, to this day, white people have certain freedoms they can enjoy more than their counterparts, it’s safe to say that white privilege does exist.
It may be through trivial matters or more severe instances. But regardless of how it manifests, such a concept only separates humanity. It divides them over something they have no control over.
If you’re interested in hearing what black individuals experience daily, educate yourself by grabbing a copy of DeHaven Jacque Alexander’s Racism in White America.