Talking Points #1

White Privilege: Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack
By: Peggy McIntosh

1. "I have come to see white privilege as an invisible package of unearned assests tha I can count on cashing in each day, but about which I was "meant" to remail oblivious. (pg.1)"

-I agree that the whole issue of whiteness being a "privilege" remains oblivious to many people. Its not until you stop, and think about how a white person deals with certain things compared to a person of color. Simple things that many people take for granted such as relocating because of a job. How are your new neighbors going to treat you? How will you coworkers treat you? White people may not always realize it, but they do have unearned assests that they can count on from day to day just because of their skin color. Even though we are really all the same.



2. "...ones' life is not what one makes it; many doors open for certain people through no virtues of their own. (pg.4)"

-Doors open for many people simply because certain qualities follow the "norm" of society. It can be a persons race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, and so forth that sets them apart from others. Whoever follows the norm of society, has a better chance of getting the job, or getting welcomed, or whatever priveldge may be. People shouldnt be looked down upon because they were born a certain way. Everybody SHOULD be given equal opportunity to acheieve success. Although we have come a long way, we are not there yet.



3. But a "white" skin in the United States opens many doors for whites whether or not we approve of the way dominance has been conferred on us. (pg.6)"

-Even if you dont agree with being treated differently than someone else just because of your skin color, doesnt mean you dont have to deal with the issue. Rather than trying to ignore the fact that because your white, more doors open for you, you should accept this and do something about it. See how far being privlege can get you, and then stand up for what you know is right. Voice what you believe in and help people of color get the justice that they deserve.



4. Keeping most people unaware that freedom of confident action is there for just a small number of people props up those in power and serves to keep power in the hands of the same groups that have most of it already. (pg.6)"

-We cant just sit back and let the same people keep controling our nation with their views on certain issues. We need to understand that everybody has a voice and everybody should use it. Be confident. Stand up for what you believe in, and do something about it. Take chances. Takes leaps. You may have to take two steps back, to take one step foward. But, you will get there with faith and determination.