There has been a lot of coverage on the murder of Trayvon Martin in the news lately and obviously we have given some of the attention on this blog. Trayvon’s story highlights the issue of race and suspicion. The article below was written by an individual (Michael Skolnik) who has decided to speak up on this issue and point up just how privileged white skin can make someone. The powerful message he spreads is the idea that he will never look suspicious to the people around him because he is not black. The blog post has been circulated around the internet and serves to help our society take a step forward toward a language of liberation by acknowledging the rights white people take for granted by not extending the same rights to the oppressed. I hope many people will hear this message and choose to speak to those around even though this is considered a taboo conversation topic. Maybe the fact that this topic is considered taboo says something about our society and how serious we are about invoking change.
I saw this article circulating as well, but didn't read it till now. Very well written article on "white privilege". It's always a great thing when you can recognize your privilege (we all are privileged in some way) and decide to make a conscious effort to help others who may be oppressed by it. It's uncomfortable to acknowledge you are privileged some times and I often see people refuting their privilege and watering down reality. Nice article.
ReplyDeleteArthur and Purple,
ReplyDeleteI find it very refreshing to see you both come to the agreement that their is a such thing as the white priveldge that exists in today's society. I think it has always existed and used to be more apparent and celebrated among those who felt that had it. Now on the other hand it isn't talked about as much or people tend to act like that don't realize that it exists or what it is exactly. However, in situations like this it is clear to see that certain people have an advantage and will never have to deal with certain aspects of life simply because they were born a certain color. Reality is a hard pill to swallow for some but this is something that some people feel bad for accepting but it sadly does happen more often than not that people get oppressed or slighted from experiencing certain things simply because of their skin color.