02-12-2016, 08:30 PM
(02-12-2016, 08:04 PM)Vas Deferens Wrote: Just because white privilege exists, doesn't mean that you have to feel ashamed or guilty about it. It's helpful to accept its existence in order to move society forward and shorted the gaps.
You keep mentioning white people 'giving up power'... What types of 'power' is being relinquished by merely acknowledging ones own privilege and moving on from there?
Well then, I am sure that blacks in America will have no problem accepting the existence of black privilege, right? Since there is nothing to feel ashamed or guilty about. It would be helpful, in realizing that there isn't a need to shorten any gaps and society can move forward.
Fred is under the impression that whites are in control of a disproportionate amount of power. My point is, even if this is true, it isn't a bad thing. There is nothing wrong with whites being in control.
If you acknowledge white privilege, then that only gives power over to those that also have privilege but refuse to acknowledge their own, it would give them a moral high ground from which to constantly ask for things that they aren't entitled to. If you refuse at any point to concede to their demands then all they have to do is remind you of how privileged you are, and thus you acquiescence.
Look at the college universities, look at the removal of the Confederate Flag. The push to have the title "Master" removed from certain college positions. The push to remove Ovid, Aristotle, Plato from literary courses and have them replaced with Toni Morrison.
http://www.charleskochinstitute.org/columbia-university-toni-morrison-trigger-warnings/
How about this:
Saida Grundy a black professor at Boston college posted that "white males are THE problem in our country" (paraphrasing), she gets to keep her job. Came under some fire, but still employed and doesn't feel one bit remorseful of her actions.
Yale Lecturer Erika Christakis has resigned over an email that she sent out stating that it should be OK for students to be "a little bit offensive" on Halloween, due to the backlash and extensive coverage that she received.
Grundy is the benefactor of black privilege, but doesn't acknowledge it, so she gets to keep her job.
Christakis is the victim of black privildege, but probably (again, assuming here) believes in white privilege, so in order for her to atone, must resign and no longer has her job.
