Unearned Privileges

Unearned Privileges

1.      Because of my race I do not have to worry about discrimination in a work environment

2.      Because of my wealth I get more privileges and opportunities than those who are poor

3.      Because of my gender I sometimes get let off easier (i.e. cops)

4.      Because of my race I do not have to worry about trying to find someone to rent me an apartment/buy a home

5.      Because of my race my children will not be publicly humiliated

6.      Because of my race I am able to wear whatever suits me without  society judging me

7.      Because of my race I am often treated a lot nicer in stores and am watched less for stealing, vandalism, and other crimes

8.      Because of my race I will never be labeled as anything other than an American (terrorist, foreigner, etc.)

9.      Because of my race I am never questioned as to why I own guns

10.  Because of my race I never have to deal with people telling me to “go back to your country”

11.  Because of my race I am able to drive whatever car I want with whatever accessories I please (rims, subs, LED lights) and not be pulled over for looking “suspicious”

12.  Because of my “white name” I do not have to worry about employers discriminating against me during the interviewing process

13.  Because of my race and my “white name” I never have to deal with teachers/subs not knowing how to properly pronounce my name

14.  Because of my race there are a lot more opportunities for me in the media business because the  media, culture, society, magazines, television, movies, and music shows people of the White race daily

15.  Because of my race, if I was a criminal, it would be significantly easier for me to find a job when I got out of jail

Although the white race does have more of these unearned privileges, I feel as though giving them up isn’t going to solve the problem. People are still going to feel the same way they did before the privileges were given up. If an employer wants to discriminate against certain races, they will. Instead, I feel like we should focus more on the qualifications and goals of a person instead of their race or background. One way that these aspects of our identity take away from us is the sense of accomplishment. Many will argue until they are blue in the face that the only reason we got that scholarship, job, or opportunity was because of our race or gender or social position. While this isn’t always true, it still plays a huge role in our society.