Black History Month: white privilege

Earlier in the month I shared an introduction to Black History Month 2023, in which I explored the challenges that Black women face in our society. The article prompted a number of conversations, which led us to a debate about prejudice, racism and privilege. The topic that raised the most questions was the latter, specifically the concept of white privilege. So, I’ve collated the most frequently asked questions and answered them below.

Let’s clear up the question everyone tends to start with: what is white privilege? White privilege is a term used to describe the societal advantages that white people have over non-white people in some societies, particularly if they are otherwise under the same social, political or economic circumstances. White privilege denotes both obvious and less obvious passive advantages that white people may not recognise they have, which distinguishes it from overt bias or prejudice. These include cultural affirmations of one’s own worth; presumed greater social status; and freedom to move, buy, work, play, and speak freely.

I’ve never heard about it, is it new? If not, what is the history behind white privilege? No, not at all. White privilege has its roots in European colonialism and imperialism and the Atlantic slave trade. It has developed in circumstances that have broadly sought to protect white racial privileges, various national citizenships, and other rights or special benefits.
 

Ok, but how does white privilege manifest itself? White privilege manifests itself in many ways. It can be seen in professional, educational, and personal contexts. It affords white people societal advantages that non-white people do not have. These advantages include greater access to resources and opportunities than Black people, Indigenous peoples, and other people of colour in the same position do.
 

Is white privilege real? Yes, white privilege is real. It is something that is pervasive throughout society and exists in all the major systems and institutions in our society.
 

Can white people be victims of white privilege? No. White people cannot be victims of white privilege because it is a societal advantage that benefits them over non-white people.
 

Yeah, but I don’t see colour, I just see people as people… The phrase “I don’t see colour” is often used by people who believe that they are treating everyone equally, regardless of their race. However, this phrase is problematic because it ignores the fact that people of different races have different experiences and face different challenges in life. By saying “I don’t see colour,” people are essentially saying that they don’t acknowledge the existence of these differences, which can be seen as a form of erasure or ignorance.

What’s more, this phrase is often used by people who have never had to experience racism or discrimination based on their skin colour. It is a privilege to be able to say that you don’t see colour because it means that you have never had to deal with the negative consequences of being a person of colour in our society.

Other phrases that I personally find challenging and think are proof of white privilege include:

• “I’m not racist, I have black friends.” I’d like a penny for every time I’ve heard this one! This phrase gets used by people who want to prove that they are not racist. However, having friends of a different race does not automatically make someone not racist, it is entirely possible to hold racist beliefs and still have friends of a different race.
• “All lives matter.” This phrase is often used as a response to the Black Lives Matter movement. While it may seem like an inclusive statement, it actually undermines the specific struggles faced by Black people in society. Ultimately, ‘all lives’ cannot truly matter unless Black lives matter.
• “I don’t want to talk about race.” This is commonly used when individuals feel uncomfortable discussing issues related to race. However, avoiding these conversations only perpetuates the problem and prevents progress from being made. It may also leave individuals feeling that the issues that impact them are not important.
• “I worked hard for everything I have.” This is probably the most common response, in my opinion, when discussing privilege. Individuals may well believe that their success is solely due to their own hard work and determination, but it ignores the fact that many people face systemic barriers that prevent them from gaining access and or achieving the same success, regardless of how hard they work.
   

How can I challenge white privilege? Challenging white privilege requires acknowledging its existence and actively working to dismantle it. This can be done by educating oneself about racism and its effects on society; listening to marginalised voices; speaking out against racism; supporting anti-racist organisations; and advocating for policies that promote equality.
 

What are the challenges of being a white person who acknowledges white privilege? Acknowledging one’s own privileges can be difficult because it requires confronting uncomfortable truths about oneself and society. It can also lead to feelings of guilt or shame. However, acknowledging one’s own privileges is an important step towards dismantling systemic racism.
 

How can I learn more? There are many resources available for learning more, however my recommendations would be:
 

• White Fragility: Why It’s So Hard For White People To Talk About Racismby Robin DiAngelo. This book is a great starting point for understanding white privilege and how it contributes to systemic racism. It explores the ways in which white people often react defensively when confronted with issues of race and offers strategies for overcoming these reactions.

How To Be An Antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi. This book is a comprehensive guide to understanding and dismantling racism, including the concept of white privilege. Kendi argues that being “not racist” is not enough, and that we must actively work to be antiracist in order to create a more just society.