Introduction
White privilege is a term for societal privileges that benefit people identified as white in
Western countries, beyond what is commonly experienced by non-white people under the same
social, political, or economic circumstances (Wikipedia) and yes, it does exist. White privilege
effects the daily life of white people and people of color. It is my goal that with this project I will
be able to successfully highlight the effects white privilege has on education, and poverty.
I believe that white privilege is on a spectrum. It ranges from subliminal things that you
hardly notice, to being right up in your face. White privilege can be having your skin care and
beauty products in an aisle labeled beauty and me having mine in an aisle labeled ethnic; it is you
going to a hotel and being able to use the shampoo and conditioner provided and me having to go
to said Walmart to the ethnic section to get shampoo. White privilege is built into our structure of
our society. It emphasizes that there is a majority and minority, identifies a dominate culture, and
gives the position of power to white people. White privilege is not always wanted by the
dominate culture, noticed by those effected or deserved by the white culture or minorities. White
Education
White privilege is present in schools and specifically grades k-12. White privilege is
shown in many forms such as tracking, standardized testing, resources, teachers, and
Tracking students is when the school places the students in certain classes based on their
perceived ability or skill level. . One of the disadvantages of tracking is that students of color are
often thought to be underachieving and are placed in low-ability classes. This can have a lasting
effect and can lead to lower achievements in life. Once tracked into a lower ability group,
students are restricted in access to courses, programs, qualified teachers, and learning
opportunities. They may be unable to take honors courses because theyre told they wont
succeed. They wont be recommended for the math and science school because they arent
placed in the classes that will prepare them for it. Students in the lower tracked classes are often
teachers. (mste.illinois.edu)
Standardized tests are tests that (1) requires all test takers to answer the same questions,
or a selection of questions from a common bank of questions, in the same way, and that (2) is
scored in a standard or consistent manner, which makes it possible to compare the relative
when there is no standard students. (Time.) Therefore, the tests lean towards the dominate
population and culture, and that is the white culture. This places every minority at a disadvantage
especially in the cases of word use and cultural references. (The glossary of education reform.)
Teachers also have an effect on white privilege in schools. Teachers have their own
inclinations and tendencies. They have their own personal experiences, racial bias, and
stereotypes that effect how they teach certain students. Dominant culture can effect who becomes
teachers and who is hired in that district. Higher qualified teachers tend to leave lower socio-
economic communities, which tend to have higher minority demographics, because of the
violence. Socio-economic status is also an aspect of white privilege. Low income communities
and higher minority schools are associated with low academic achievement due to violence, lack
of motivation and an unsafe home and school environment. Lower academic achievements result
in lower resource allocation. Lower resource allocation results in lower quality of education and
Poverty
The association between white privilege and poverty go back to times of slavery, where
Italian and Irish immigrants were told that even though they are poor, at least they are not
niggers. And that word, having the effect and the weight it has even to this day, is a testament
to white systemic power. Today, white people who are at or below the poverty line have an
advantage over black people. They dont have to think about being white. Freedom of choice and
freedom of thought are enormous privileges that poor white people dont recognize. The choice
to think about the effects of race or racism when its convenient, is very different from the
experience of someone who can never for a second forget the color of their skin.
(teachingtolerance.com)
The average white family in America has 12 times the accumulated net worth than that of
the average black family and 8 times than Latino families. This is because even if the
grandparents and parents of the white families didnt have much, they were able to secure a
house and maybe some property or land because of FHA and VA loans that were available to
white people and off limits to people of color. In 2013, white working class families, those who
make around $15,000 a year, had the same average net worth of a black family with $60,000 or
Conclusion
White privilege is prevalent in everyday life and has a great impact on people of color. It
impacts our education and directly correlates with poverty. Form tracking to standardized tests,
and teachers, black students are at a disadvantage through their educational careers. These
White privilege isnt anyones fault and white people shouldnt feel bad or guilty because
of their privilege. But, white people need to recognize their white privilege and try to understand
when a marginalized group talk about their trials and tribulations and dont dismiss them.
Acknowledging, identifying, and teaching of white privilege to everyone and especially white
people, is are the first steps to dismantle white privilege and systemic racism. Step one,
acknowledge: accepting and admitting that white privilege does exist. Step two, identifying: once
you become aware of white privilege, you need to realize when that privilege is being asserted
either by you or society. Once you identify what specifically is white privilege and how it comes
about in everyday life, the next step is to teach. You are now aware of the privilege your skin
provides you, it is your responsibility to tell your friends, family, and children that they also have
this privilege. Explain to them what it is, in which situations it may come up, and how to be
empathetic to those who dont have the same privilege. Once everyone is made aware, real
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