A few days ago I happened to stumble upon this video from Upworthy's Facebook page:
Upworthy on utilization of white privilege
The reason why I think this video is important is because it highlights ways of using white privilege. There are three main points that I got from this video and I would like to share those with you.
The first thing I think is important to keep in mind when discussing the topic of white privilege is that sometimes it seems that the general idea is that one can only be an ally through huge gestures. This video and this women's story shows us that's not the case. What is important to realize, in my opinion, is that in order for one to become an advocate on behalf of someone, the realization of the presence of inequality in society today is crucial.
Before I go on to my next point, I would like to give you the text book definition white privilege is;
"White privilege is a set of advantages and/or immunities that white people benefit from on a daily basis beyond those common to all others. White privilege can exist without white people's conscious knowledge of its presence and it helps to maintain the racial hierarchy in this country." With that in mind I think that realizing your privilege in society is important. As humans we tend to sometimes to not pay attention to the things that happen around us. When something is not our reality, we tend to not pay it any attention. Sometimes because we are not aware or because of the lack of willingness to acknowledge the presence of something. By realizing that you have a privilege and that it does benefit you in ways not accessible to other people in society, you can better understand what is going on. And with that you can be a better ally.
A third point of view to take form this video is the importance of using your voice. Being an advocate means to provide support both privately and publicly. So speak up and use what you have for the greater good.
This story is important because, no matter how small the action seemed to be, the impact of it was large and it effected multiple people.
White privilege is a reality and what you do with it is your own chose. The important thing is to realize that what you do with that given privilege can effect the reality of many others.
- Yannet Urgessa
Upworthy on utilization of white privilege
The reason why I think this video is important is because it highlights ways of using white privilege. There are three main points that I got from this video and I would like to share those with you.
The first thing I think is important to keep in mind when discussing the topic of white privilege is that sometimes it seems that the general idea is that one can only be an ally through huge gestures. This video and this women's story shows us that's not the case. What is important to realize, in my opinion, is that in order for one to become an advocate on behalf of someone, the realization of the presence of inequality in society today is crucial.
Before I go on to my next point, I would like to give you the text book definition white privilege is;
"White privilege is a set of advantages and/or immunities that white people benefit from on a daily basis beyond those common to all others. White privilege can exist without white people's conscious knowledge of its presence and it helps to maintain the racial hierarchy in this country." With that in mind I think that realizing your privilege in society is important. As humans we tend to sometimes to not pay attention to the things that happen around us. When something is not our reality, we tend to not pay it any attention. Sometimes because we are not aware or because of the lack of willingness to acknowledge the presence of something. By realizing that you have a privilege and that it does benefit you in ways not accessible to other people in society, you can better understand what is going on. And with that you can be a better ally.
A third point of view to take form this video is the importance of using your voice. Being an advocate means to provide support both privately and publicly. So speak up and use what you have for the greater good.
This story is important because, no matter how small the action seemed to be, the impact of it was large and it effected multiple people.
White privilege is a reality and what you do with it is your own chose. The important thing is to realize that what you do with that given privilege can effect the reality of many others.
- Yannet Urgessa
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