How to Be White: Understanding Your Privilege and Being an Ally

Introduction

Being white in the United States comes with certain privileges that many people don’t even realize they have. This concept is known as “white privilege,” which is defined by sociologist Peggy McIntosh as “an invisible package of unearned assets which I can count on cashing in each day, but about which I was ‘meant’ to remain oblivious.” This article will explore what it means to be white, how to recognize and understand white privilege, and how to use that privilege to be an ally and advocate for change.

Understand the History of White Privilege

The first step in understanding white privilege is recognizing systemic racism and the way it has shaped our society. As Dr. Frances Cress Welsing explains, “In order to maintain its power and control, the white group must dominate, suppress, and/or destroy other races.” To do this, the white majority has created a system that favors their interests and gives them advantages over other racial groups. This includes access to better jobs and higher wages, higher quality education, better healthcare, and more.

Acknowledging your own privilege is essential in understanding white privilege. It’s important to recognize that you may not have earned all of the benefits that come with being white, but they are still there and they give you an advantage. As author and professor Robin DiAngelo states, “We are socialized into dominant cultural patterns, which lead us to act in ways that perpetuate our privilege.”

It’s also important to research the history of white privilege and the ways in which it has been used to oppress non-white people. Learning about the struggles of past generations can help you gain a better understanding of the current state of race relations in the United States.

Be Aware of Unconscious Bias

Unconscious bias is a form of implicit prejudice that affects our decisions and behavior without us realizing it. It can manifest itself in subtle ways, such as favoring one candidate over another for a job because of their race or gender. It’s important to be aware of these biases and work to challenge them when they arise.

To identify unconscious bias in yourself, examine your assumptions and beliefs about race and ethnicity. Pay attention to the language you use and the stories you tell about different racial and ethnic groups. Ask yourself if you are treating people differently based on their race or ethnicity. If so, why?

Another way to challenge your own biases is to listen to different perspectives. Seek out voices from diverse backgrounds and try to understand their experiences. Listen to their stories and ask questions to gain insight into their lives. This can help you gain a better understanding of how racism and discrimination affect people.

Finally, it’s important to challenge your own assumptions. Question your own beliefs about race and consider alternate points of view. Don’t make assumptions about someone’s identity or experiences based on their race or ethnicity.

Speak Up Against Injustice

Once you have recognized your own privilege and biases, it’s time to take action. Don’t remain silent when you witness injustice or inequality. Speak up and stand up for those who are being treated unfairly. This can be done in small ways, such as calling out microaggressions when you hear them, or in larger ways, such as participating in protests and advocating for policy change.

You can also support organizations that fight for equality. Donate to organizations working towards racial justice, volunteer your time, and spread awareness about the issues they are addressing. Every bit helps in creating a more equitable society.

Educate Yourself on Race Issues

It’s important to educate yourself on race issues in order to be an effective ally. Read books and articles written by authors from diverse backgrounds. Follow activists and social movements on social media to stay informed about current events. Attend events and discussions about race and listen to different perspectives.

Take the time to learn about the history of racism in the United States and the struggles of minority communities. This can help you gain a better understanding of the current state of race relations and the challenges that people of color face every day.

Listen and Learn from Others’ Experiences

Finally, it’s important to listen and learn from others’ experiences. Seek out voices from different backgrounds and listen to their stories. Put yourself in their shoes and try to understand their perspective. Ask questions and be open to new ideas and information.

By listening to and learning from others’ experiences, we can gain a better understanding of how racism and discrimination affect people. We can also use this knowledge to become better allies and advocates for change.

Conclusion

Being white in the United States comes with certain privileges and it’s important to recognize and understand them. By acknowledging our own privilege, being aware of our unconscious biases, speaking up against injustice, educating ourselves on race issues, and listening and learning from others’ experiences, we can use our privilege to be an ally and advocate for change.

By recognizing our privilege and using it to create a more equitable society, we can help create a better future for everyone.