In this seminal essay, Peggy McIntosh addresses the ways in which systemic dominance is maintained and privilege is carried, often unrecognized by the person with privilege.
Or, if you are already familiar with McIntosh's essay:
"This article focuses on the tension that arises as the result of the intersection of social identities, namely gender and race. Through examination of a case study, I consider the ways in which White women benefit from White privilege through their interactions with Women of Color using the Privileged Identity Exploration Model as the tool for analysis.
Dr. Stephanie Afful discusses the need for racial identity development in whites, as a necessary means to recognizing the privileged spaces we occupy. This society is normed on white privilege, which means that white people can afford to and therefore avoid acknowledging or thinking about race. Afful discusses the difficulty in acknowledging our race and privileges and encourages listeners to not only acknowledge the water we swim in but also to make WAVES by Witnessing that oppression and privilege exist, take Action, use your Voice, practice Empathy, and always be a Student
Listen to one, two, or all fourteen episodes of this series exploring the notion and purpose of "whiteness" with John Biewen and Dr. Chenjerai Kumanyika.
The Chicago Theological Seminary provides a discussion guide as supplement to their short film White Privilege Glasses. Questions for reflection and discussion include:
See "Start The Discussion" on page 4 for the complete list of questions.
Spend a few minutes and consider how White Privilege manifests itself in your life. Take a fresh look around your home and environment. Ask yourself, “Who as a society do we look up to, admire, celebrate, and honor?” Revisit the White Privilege Glasses discussion guide from the Chicago Theological Society for more details on this activity (page 6).