Does white privilege exist in the US?

[Albion]

Identity Politics is the forte of a certain segment of our society. That's why this issue, however phony it is, is going to be trumpeted by those people.

 

[Lord Give Me A Sign]

But what if that person does have an advantage, and given that these differences in experiences are quite vast, why mightn't they simply be unaware of that advantage? It is not automatically an attempt to offend, simply to point out a likely fact.

All this hand-wringing about offence and civility means is we can't actually point the problem out when it occurs - and it prioritises addressing hurt feelings over actual systemic problems.

The problem is "white privilege" is offensive terminology to alot of people and it would be better to talk about the solution then the problem, in my opinion. From what i see the more the problem is spoken about, the more seperated and divided we become as a country

 

[Albion]

Apparently, creating "White Supremacy" and "White Nationalism" in order to stir up disunity didn't work out very well, so "White Privilege" is the new and improved version.

 

[98cwitr]

But what if that person does have an advantage, and given that these differences in experiences are quite vast, why mightn't they simply be unaware of that advantage? It is not automatically an attempt to offend, simply to point out a likely fact.

All this hand-wringing about offence and civility means is we can't actually point the problem out when it occurs - and it prioritises addressing hurt feelings over actual systemic problems.

I think then we have to deduce the reasons why that advantage exists. Asserting that the advantage (or disadvantage) exists solely and strictly based on race is quiet inaccurate, misleading, and may even fit the definition of true racism. Advantages may have some cultural links to them, but I think it really boils down to individual choices of both parents and children.

 

[bèlla]

The problem is "white privilege" is offensive terminology to alot of people and it would be better to talk about the solution then the problem, in my opinion. From what i see the more the problem is spoken about, the more seperated and divided we become as a country

Throw a crumb in a room of hungry men and they'll tear each other apart. That's the point.

Yours in His Service,

~bella

 

[Sparagmos]

I would point to social-ecconomic conditions, some have linked it to the lack of a father in many black households. It is far to easy to claim victim status compared to working hard at improving.

If one grows up with a disadvantage, then one is disadvantaged. It’s not “claiming a victim status” to not be able to keep up with people who have a much easier time succeeding.

 

[Sparagmos]

but I think it really boils down to individual choices of both parents and children.

What do you think causes people with black skin to make different kinds of choices than people with white skin?

 

[Sparagmos]

One needn't be inflammatory to discuss difficult subjects. That's counterproductive. The key is keeping your mind on the issue, not the other person. When you view them as an adversary or 'the other camp' the exchange is hindered.

~bella

This is true and when the concept of white privilege is presented in trainings and educational settings it is made clear that those of us with privilege did not choose it and cannot rid ourselves of it, therefore no blame is assigned whatsoever. It’s a lessen in compassion. It’s similar to conversations many wealthy parents have with their kids to help them understand that a lot of kids don’t have what they have and to keep that in mind and be modest, generous, and compassionate with those who
have less.

 

[Albion]

What do you think causes people with black skin to make different kinds of choices than people with white skin?

Try posing that question without the classist language and perspective...and we'll see where it goes.

It's already been pointed out that everyone in the country is not advantaged or disadvantaged on the basis of the color of his skin. Far from it.

 

[Pommer]

 

[Triumvirate]

Productive discourse is not possible without civility.

Disagree entirely.

This forum is full of lots of people bearing crosses and speaking very "civilly" while holding utterly retrograde and damaging ideas.

It's a sop. A front. A cover. It is irrelevant.

 

[Triumvirate]

It's not an issue of facts vs. feelings. All people are motivated by feelings and sentiments, it's part of being human.

And not all of those sentiments are created equal?

It's not so much an issue of feelings Vs facts, more a case of falsely equating hurt feelings at worst for one demographic Vs multiple longstanding structural problems for another.

 

[Triumvirate]

I think then we have to deduce the reasons why that advantage exists. Asserting that the advantage (or disadvantage) exists solely and strictly based on race is quiet inaccurate, misleading, and may even fit the definition of true racism. Advantages may have some cultural links to them, but I think it really boils down to individual choices of both parents and children.

And structural problems limit what choices you can make. This bootstrap nonsense is really passé

 

[Triumvirate]

In my opinion, true privilege begins with wealth and class. Hue is meaningless if that's lacking. Actually, it's profoundly worse. After all, the cards are stacked in their favor. Wealth acquisition shouldn't be an issue. You shouldn't be middle anything.

From my vantage point, you're all in the same boat. Does that set aside racism and the rest? No. But at the end of the day there's no difference. Inequality is a mainstay of American culture. It doesn't reside with one group. It's the small percentage versus the rest.

There's many ways to break a man's spirit. I keep my eyes on the puppet master. He's good. Really good. I learn a lot.

Yours in His Service,

~bella

What do you mean by "hue" exactly

 

[Triumvirate]

The problem is "white privilege" is offensive terminology to alot of people and it would be better to talk about the solution then the problem, in my opinion. From what i see the more the problem is spoken about, the more seperated and divided we become as a country

Meaningless. You need to talk about the problem in order to delineate it, then the solution can be arrived at.

One could also argue whites constantly retreating to "but our feelings are hurt" is also not focusing on solutions, wouldn't you say

 

[Triumvirate]

Absolutes are misleading.

All White aren't privileged.
All Blacks aren't disadvantaged.

We pay more attention to the target than those outside of it. If I listened to the narrative I'd be misled. But self-employment provides a window others lack.

White's don't have it as easy as most suppose. When money is tight, you keep it to yourself. You won't share it with a neighbor or acquaintances. Or your other shortcomings. But you might tell the person offering solutions for your problems. You'll get real with them.

I hear a lot about finances, home life, lack of support, and emotional struggles. You think the white picket fence means she's got it made? Please. The same holds true for him. They're online looking for side hustles and complaining. Not enough time, resources, or time for themselves.

They're all saying the same. Black, White, Hispanic, Asian, etc. No difference.

Yours in His Service,

~bella

Noone is claiming that it is a matter of all whites being privileged, this is just a rather feeble strawman

 

[bèlla]

What do you mean by "hue" exactly

Come on. You know what hue is.

 

[FireDragon76]

And not all of those sentiments are created equal?

It's not so much an issue of feelings Vs facts, more a case of falsely equating hurt feelings at worst for one demographic Vs multiple longstanding structural problems for another.

Suffering is suffering.

As I said, the real problem is that Americans in general lack moral education and value individual success and achievement more than empathy. That's true regardless of whether you are black or white.

 

[FireDragon76]

Disagree entirely.

This forum is full of lots of people bearing crosses and speaking very "civilly" while holding utterly retrograde and damaging ideas.

It's a sop. A front. A cover. It is irrelevant.

I see it differently. You must have a different notion of civility, as I don't see much of the discourse as all that civil.

 

[Triumvirate]

Suffering is suffering.

There goes that false equivalence again.

As I said, the real problem is that Americans in general lack moral education and value individual success and achievement more than empathy. That's true regardless of whether you are black or white.

To a point, sure - but that individualism blinds people when it comes to analyse collective problems. And again, the consequences for lack of empathy from black to white people are minor in aggregate when compared to the consequences for lack of empathy from white to black people. It is not an equivalent comparison.