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In reply to the discussion: Why I don't think the phrase/argument white privilege is effective. [View all]Orrex
(63,435 posts)rather than to invite discussion.
In pretty much every conversation I've ever seen or heard about "white (male) privilege," a great many of the responses are invariably along the lines of "I can't afford shoes, and you're telling me I'm privileged?" This in turn steers the discussion toward the easier topic of the particulars of that person's privilege, rather than to the larger, more complex and more important underlying issue.
Often, when this is pointed out, the result is a disparagement of the white (male's) "feefees," which generates further defensiveness and distracts further from the real subject.
I don't have a great and succinct alternative to propose, but since the issue seems to rest on disparities of race, gender and class, perhaps the answer can be found there as well.
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