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In reply to the discussion: Why I don't think the phrase/argument white privilege is effective. [View all]Blanks
(4,835 posts)Education isn't going to solve the problem in a single generation, and I can see how you could get the impression that's what I meant by what I said. I think affirmative action programs like the ones that I mentioned above move us in the right direction, but yeah, there's still plenty of racism. I'm not disputing that. However, while there is plenty of racism, that doesn't mean it's everywhere, and I think using the phrase 'white privilege' is divisive and makes the situation worse, stirs up resentment where none previously existed.
...and again, it's kind of specific to the American experience. I expect that the Japanese have some privilege in Japan, and I'm certain Genghis Kahn didn't believe in white privilege. It's the term 'white privilege' that I think is divisive, there is a privilege extended to the race that is dominant in a society/culture, there is no doubt that the construct exists. Is it always 'white'? I don't think so. How can someone posit a theory unique to the American experience and expect us to embrace it, study it, and respect it as though it's a legitimate theory, but give it a name that seems like a personal attack?
My only issue is with the name, perhaps if we called it TTFKAWP (the theory formerly known as white privilege) we could pronounce it 'tutta fuck owp' (or something) and then we could all work toward fixing it.
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