LEARNING MODULE FOUR
- Choose three examples from either the White Privilege Checklist, the Male Privilege Checklist, and the Black Male Privilege Checklist, or the Heterosexual Checklist (Katz) that made you think about your own privilege in a new way and tell us why (1 paragraph)
- Now make your own checklist (5 items) and explain why these are privileges using the week’s readings and lecture. Explain key facets of the systems of oppression (gender, racial, heterosexist) that exist to reinforce these privileges in your life (2 paragraphs).
- Go to our section’s wallwisher link for “Gender Microaggressions” (also on E-learning). Post an example of a gender microaggression. Then post the message that this microaggression sends (this is a required posting and will count toward full credit for this learning module!)
After I read the heterosexual checklist I realized how many undeserved privileges I am given because I am straight. This checklist was the most eye opening one to read out of all the others because it is something I had never considered before. I have always known that being a white girl in the south gives me advantages in society, but I had never considered how also being straight gives me an advantage as well. I do not agree with those advantages but it is hard not to notice them at times. However, the heterosexual check list really got to me. My younger brother is gay and it made me think of things I had never thought of before that must be so difficult for him. For example, the number 2 on the list is “I can find greeting cards for the person I love for any occasion in any card store.” I had never noticed that before. I’ve always disagreed with the fact that gay marriage isn’t legal, but it is the smaller things like the greeting cards that go unnoticed to most people that I find to be just as problematic. Another example is number 16, “I will not be turned away from my house of worship because of whom I love.” I find it so hypocritical that so many religions turn away homosexuals. Especially since religions such as Christianity teaches acceptance, but many churches turn away people who are gay or lesbian. Number eleven on the list also stuck out to me. Number eleven says, “I do not have to experience, on a daily basis, the jokes, slurs and outright hatred directed towards people of my sexual orientation.” I believe sexuality should not define a human being and these negative remarks about homosexuals are embarrassing to us as a society.
ReplyDeleteHere is my checklist as a heterosexual, white, female.
1. I can walk into any CVS or Target and find beauty products that are for my type of hair or skin.
2. I can watch couples on television that I share the same race and sexuality with.
3. I can speak to a group of men without putting my race or sexuality on trial.
4. I can buy many magazines that have white women on the cover and give heterosexual relationship advice.
5. I walk into any upscale department store, holding my boyfriend’s hand and not be looked at in a negative way because of my race or sexuality.
These five privileges represent ways that other groups of people may feel oppressed. All of these five things are privileges that I receive because of my race and sexuality. I did not choose either of the two but I continue to be given advantages in society because of them. They all represent the system of oppression because I am given those privileges because of my skin color and sexuality but I am also oppressed because I am a woman. There is a list of things out there that I am not given the privilege of because of my gender. The system of oppression is a never- ending cycle. The oppressed are also oppressors and vise versa and it will most likely always be that way.
-Virginia Jackson
One of the examples from the Heterosexual checklist that made me think about my privileges in a new way is being able to find greeting cards for the person I love for any occasion in any card store. I feel that this is something that I don’t think about. I have never really seen it as a privilege, but as something that just happens. Half the time when I go into a store to get a card, I don’t think about anything else but finding the card that I need. The second example that has changed my opinion of my privileges is, I can keep pictures of the person I love on my desk without fear of reprisal, harassment, or being accused of flaunting my sexuality. Once again, I don’t give it a second thought about displaying who I am dating, I just do it. I don’t think about it offending someone. The third example that made me think about my privileges in a new way is if the person I love dies, I can openly share my sorrow. To me, I have always felt that this is a privilege to anyone. I feel that it is our right to grieve over someone we love. I think that honestly anyone should have this privilege, but I can see where it would be seen as differently for someone who is homosexual. I still don’t agree with it being different for homosexuals though.
ReplyDeleteMy checklist of privileges as a white American woman:
1. I do not have to worry about being under heavy surveillance when I walk into a store.
2. I am more likely to receive help from a store clerk first.
3. When I walk onto an airplane, people do not fear that I am a terrorist.
4. As a woman, I can go to college and study anything I want to.
5. As a woman, I have the privilege to decide if I want to have an abortion.
The first example on my checklist is an example of race. As we discussed in class, African Americans and other races are oppressed in the fact that because they are sometimes stereotyped to be “dangerous or criminals”. Therefore, when they walk into a store, they might be followed around or watched very closely. The second example is another form of racial and class oppression. It’s racial oppression when the clerk is someone who will help a white person before an African American. It is class oppression when someone who is wearing lesser clothes walks into a nice store and is not given the adequate attention. I have personally experienced this. I walked into Saks Fifth Avenue on Rodeo drive wearing jeans and a t shirt and didn’t have a single store clerk walk up to me and ask me if I needed help. Instead, they stared at me and gave me odd looks because I wasn’t up to their standards. After 9/11 my third example has become rather popular. Anytime we see a person on an airplane who is Muslim or is wearing a turbin, we freak out and think they are going to bomb the plane that we are on. These people are oppressed because they are not all the same, but are all thrown into the same category. I am proud to be in college and studying what I want. Many people think there are majors that women cannot obtain, so in that way I think that we are oppressed. Even if we get obtain these hard majors, people think that we cheated or flirted with the professor to get a better grade, instead of just doing the work and earning the grade. In that aspect, women are oppressed because either way it’s like our work is not as good as men’s. The last privilege is not something that I can say that I would use. I am not for abortion, but we do have that privilege. However, I feel that women who get an abortion are oppressed because if they get one they are wrong, but on the other hand if they get one because they are raped then it’s okay. That’s a very tough situation in my opinion, but it is a privilege that women have.
The first most obvious privilege that white people have is being able to be unaware that they have privilege. I was made aware of this last semester when I was talking in a class about how I rarely walk down the sidewalk thinking of oppression, because of the family I was raised in, I really didn’t experience it. To that, one of my classmates replied, “That is because you are privileged.” It is possible that is true. I was unaware of my privilege which caused me to not think about it. Another example that I found interesting was being able to find “flesh” colored band aides that are readily available. Most band aides are colored to be more inclusive of white people, and black people may have to look harder for “flesh” colored band aides that match their skin tone. Finally, being represented in the political arena more than those of other ethnicity is a privilege that I rarely think about. While part of this can be attributed to the fact that the majority of people who turn out to vote are white males, it is still true that mostly white males are elected to public official jobs. These are things that I rarely think about because that is how it has been for my whole life.
ReplyDeleteMy checklist
1) I can walk into a beauty salon and not have my femininity called into question (heterosexual/gender privilege)
2) I can raise my children as a stay at home mom and not have my femininity called into question (gender privilege).
3) I can be accepted into a school or get a job and not have my co workers question if I got it based on my race (racial privilege)
4) I can look at an advertisement and see people of my own gender and race (gender and racial privilege)
5) I can walk into a high end store and not have my skin color analyzed as to the appropriateness of my being in the store (racial privilege)
With the first item on my checklist I can see that I can walk into any salon for the most part and not have to call myself a “metrosexual” in order for people to not question my femininity. Males (especially homosexual males) do not really have this privilege. Most men either have to explain how masculine they are in order to justify this or how they are not masculine so it is “okay” for them to be in a beauty salon. The second thing on my checklist is something that I consider a privilege, although I do not have a family yet, if I plan to stay at home and raise my kids, people will not look down on me. Often, if a woman chooses to go to work instead of the man, society looks down on both the woman who goes to work and the man that stays home. Both often have to explain themselves. I think this is one of the few gender privileges that women have. Because of the laws that have been enacted, people of different races can be seen to have been hired based on race instead of qualifications. I don’t really see this because I am white, so people do not assume that, they assume that I would have gotten the job based on qualification. White women are often used in advertisements. I can usually look through a magazine and see women of my race represented, especially if it is a magazine that is usually geared toward my demographic. Stores that are usually high end would rarely look at me and call my race into question. They would not look at me and call into question why I was there. This is a racial privilege that I definitely benefit from. It is unfortunate that people of different ethnicities can’t walk into these stores and have their race call the legitimacy of their visit called into question.
@ Emily Blackwood
ReplyDeleteI rarely think about things that are heterosexual privileges. This, I think is one of the privileges that heterosexuals most readily have. I think that the greeting cards example was one of the most rarely thought about. There are so many cards "for him" or "for her" but you don't really see them as being from female to female or male to male. I agree with you that this is something that most heterosexual people don't think about.
@Virginia88
ReplyDeleteI agree that, like we learned in class, those who are oppressed also are oppressors. You definitely said it correctly when you said that it is a never ending cycle. I hope that we can change it to better society. I think that as a group we need to start to look into ways of changing the cycle rather than only acknowledging the fact that it exists.
Even the first point of the Heterosexual checklist made me realize what a privilege it is to be heterosexual. I just automatically assume I’m going to get married and have this wonderful dress and all my friends there and everything. I never once took in into account that if I were homosexual how hard that whole process would be. I couldn’t even imagine going to my parents and wanting to break news that is supposed to be so wonderful but at the same time being overwhelmed and nervous about what my parents would think if I were marrying a women and how my parents would take it. This also goes a long with 3, 4, and 18 which talk about being open about your relationship, feeling accepted, and not judged by friends and family. I already am very open about my emotions and what’s going on in my life. I couldn’t imagine having no one to talk to about the person I love.
ReplyDeleteMy checklist as a white, female, heterosexual
1) Being a girl and not having trouble being let into fraternity parties
2) Holding hands and being affectionate with a guy in public and having positive comments
3) I can relate to my friends when I talk about relationships with guys
4) I can choose to stay at home and take care of my children without being questioned
5) I can cry and be open about my emotions and not be judged
I think that all these points show privileges of an average white, heterosexual women. My first one was just a privilege as a women college student. My second one was a typical heterosexual privilege, because women, and I think men more than women, are often oppressed for being homosexual and “considered not the norm”. Often those who do not accept homosexuality can harass homosexuals. Although I don’t personally have a problem with homosexuality, I’m just making a point. My third point is also a heterosexual privilege because like my second point, homosexuals can be rejected by their family or friends if they have a same sex partner. My fourth and fifth point are both feminine privileges. It is often perceived as a women’s job to stay home and take care of the kids anyway so if I were to choose to quite my job and do so I wouldn’t be judged. Also, women are perceived to be very in touch with their emotions and not judged if they cry. Men on the hand are usually considered feminine or even homosexual if they are in touch with their emotions are even shed a tear.
The first time I read the Heterosexual Privilege Checklist, it was posted to a blog routinely checked. Re-reading it reinforced my initial feelings: "Wow, I really take so much for advantage." In contrast, when I first read the Male Privilege checklist, I almost laughed at the numerous things I know most of my male friends don't even think twice about enjoying. Every item on the Heterosexual checklist made me think; particularly items 5, 10, and 15, which all deal with being accepted within your family and community. Number fifteen is one I feel very strongly about: knowing that there are other people in the world like you. The feeling that you do not belong and are a "freak" or somehow flawed beyond repair is a scary one, and I take for granted that I have always known being a heterosexual is considered normal.
ReplyDeleteMy personal White Hetero Female Checklist:
1) There are movies that are specifically made to cater to my group's emotions and romantic ideals.
2) Every magazine sold in the mainstream media celebrates my sexual preference in ads and articles. If not necessarily celebrating it, it is acknowledged.
3) I can expect to have doors opened for me, chairs pulled out for me, and to be given the choice to go first in a line of people.
4) I am granted access to tailgates and parties because I am a female and dressed in an attractive way.
5) If I have a child out of wedlock, the explanation that it was my choice to do so will not be questioned as a way to "play the system" and receive benefits from the government.
This list was relatively easy for me to compose. Every single day I am granted many privileges based on my appearance. My first point about movies can also include television shows. Countless movies are made each year that pander to what film company executives know will sell to the stereotypical white hetero female. Although there are films released maybe once or twice over the course of 2-3 years that feature homosexual couples, the romantic comedy (or just the romance) movie dominates our screens. After I see my heterosexual-romance movie, I can go to the store and buy any number of magazines that tell me how to maintain my heterosexual relationship and have a better heterosexual sex life. While I'm waiting in the checkout line I can be granted permission to go ahead of a few other customers because "ladies first" is a socially instituted role. Walking out the door, the door is held for me because of a similar societal rule. If I choose to go out that night I know I won't be turned away from a party if I am dressed in a presentable manner and by the fact I am a female on a college campus. When it comes up in conversation, although I do not want children, I voice my opinion on the fact I have the choice to birth them without having a ring on my finger. All of this is just a glimpse in to an average privilege-filled day for me.
@J K Howard
ReplyDeleteI did not think about the party invitations that females automatically receive, but you are right. Boys will be turned away time and time again, but girls will be welcomed all night long just because they are girls.
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ReplyDeleteParents and teachers will tell children that they don’t appreciate the advantages they are given. Whether it be a good family background, talent in school, or anything else along those lines, children usually do not appreciate it. After reading the checklists, I realize how little I appreciate the gifts and advantages given to me because I am a white, heterosexual female. First, when I read number 26 on the white privilege checklist which says “I can choose blemish cover or bandages in ‘flesh’ color that more or less match my skin,” I realized how close-minded society really is. Caucasian is the more accepted race, and it is viewed as the “normal” color of skin. It is sad to imagine a black girl searching for make-up while she knows that “flesh” is nowhere near her actual flesh colors. I realize that I avoid a lot of heartache because everywhere I go, white is seen as the right way. Second, the heterosexual checklist caught my attention. Number 2 on the list says “I can find greeting cards for the person I love for any occasion in any card store.” Often times cards will say “To my husband” or “My beautiful wife” and even if a man is buying the former or a woman is buying the latter, they probably are not married because of the marriage laws in so many states. Last, number 15 on the heterosexual privilege list stuck out to me. It says “If the person I love dies, I can openly share my sorrow.” Generally, you would expect all who are near to you to comfort you or allow you to be sorrowful in a time of loss. Homosexual people face so much ridicule and hatred that it could be impossible to grieve at all. To have to deal with the loss of the one they love as well as having to hide their feelings all the time is a big disadvantage. Strange looks and whispers are probably all he or she would get. I am now much more aware of the advantages that are placed in my life simply because I am a white, heterosexual female.
ReplyDeleteMy personal checklist as a white, heterosexual female includes:
1.I can go to a hair salon and feel confident that the stylists will know how to cut, dry, and style my hair.
2.I can shop in upscale stores and receive an adequate amount of help because the workers assume I will be buying.
3.I can find relationship advice in magazines on a newsstand
4.I can choose not to have a career and raise my children without being judged.
5.I can walk into a store and not have extra surveillance on me.
Number 1 on my checklist is something that many African Americans have trouble with. Because whites and blacks have different types of hair, they require different cutting techniques as well as different types of styling equipment. I know that I can walk into any salon and find someone capable of dealing with my hair. Second on my list is that most store clerks assume that a white female only enters a store to shop while a black female may just be there to look around. I will be the one to receive help and guidance even if I do not plan to make a purchase. The color of my skin causes the workers to assume I have the money to shop. Number 3 on my list is that I can find relationship advice in magazines. Young girls regularly rely on magazine articles for advice and tips on love, but these magazines are only directed towards heterosexual relationships. Fourth on my list has to do with being a stay at home mom. Men cannot choose to stay home and raise children without facing some form of torment or disapproval. Women, however, can choose to stay home all day and be praised for good maternal skills. Lastly, I am not assumed to be a criminal because I am a white female. Like we discussed in class, African Americans are often assumed to be the criminal race. It is racial oppression for the black shopper to be watched extra carefully, but it happens often. I did not choose to be a white, heterosexual female, but because I am, my life has been made much simpler for me than if it was any other way.
I read the male privilege checklist to see if I believe that any of those privileges are present in my life. I could really only focus on the privilege’s related to my age since I have not reached the corporate level and experienced sexism in the corporate world. Example 41 talks about how men have a lot less pressure to be thin than woman. I think this is true because me are much less insecure about how we are on a physical level. Women feel that there is the stereotypical size 0 woman who every female tries to reach. Fat women feel worse about themselves than say an equally sized man. My weight personally I would like to lose a few pounds but it is not a main concern. Example 5 about sexual harassment is pretty accurate in my opinion. Men love being sexually desired by women and do not care what actions that woman chooses. Women have fear of being raped but most men would rather have a girl come up to them then having to go hit on women. Example 44 is also true; women do not come to me as much as I go up to them. I will relate this one to when you are at social gathering trying to meet a girl. Men are always the one that needs to make the first move. I am amazed at how much privileges I have even if I think some of them are ridiculous.
ReplyDeleteMy list of White Male privileges:
1) My gender and sex will give me a better paycheck in my job.
2) I can cheat on my spouse and not be criticized as much if my spouse cheated on me.
3) People would be less inclined to think I am dangerous due to my race and color.
4) I would feel very comfortable about getting a job over a black man or a woman.
5) When walking in a store I would be not be suspected of a shoplifter.
Reading Peggy McIntosh's white privilege checklist caused me to shift my perspective greatly because it made me realize just how much emphasis I place on the ways in which I am oppressed, both for my gender and sexuality, without stopping to think about how I am also enjoying unearned privileges because of my skin color. The points with the greatest impact were 6, 15, and 25. I took it for granted growing up that the history I was presented with was accurate, and that it just so happened that most influential people were white. Additionally, I did not realize that not being “asked to speak for all the people of my racial group” was a privilege I enjoyed until reading this. However, now it is a thought I cannot shake, and I am careful to focus on individuals and their opinions without generalizing and treating the opinions as if they are the opinions of one of the individuals’ groups. Finally, the checklist made me grateful that my race does not affect my perspective on my life’s events. When someone is rude to me, I do not instantly have to wonder if it is because of the color of my skin, and I had not thought about the fact that other people do before now.
ReplyDeleteMy checklist as a cisgendered, white lesbian:
1. When asked for my race, I can be assured that there will be an option I identify with.
2. My nationality is not questioned because of my race.
3. My English proficiency is not questioned or assumed to be lacking because of the color of my skin.
4. Sex-segregated facilities always have facilities where my presence is not questioned because of my gender identity.
5. My partner and I are likely to have similar amounts of power in society as a whole.
The first three privileges are advantages I have because of my race. People who identify as multiracial or something else not commonly listed on such things as the forms for standardized tests are reduced to marking “Other,” whereas I am easily able to pick out a word that is both accurate and acceptable to me. People do not question my right to be in this country, even when I criticize the government or our leaders. Similarly, people do not act surprised at my ability to speak English well. However, all three of these privileges and their nuances are ultimately the result of one thing, the fact that white is considered the norm. I doubt that I would have the same privileges in a developed country where white was not considered the standard.
The fourth privilege is a privilege I have because of the fact that I’m cisgendered, and it is reinforced because transgendered people are often ignored and/or not seen as real people. This occurs in the queer community, as well as in the mainstream. A cisgendered person knows exactly which public restroom, locker room, or fitting room to go into, and his/her safety will not be compromised (at least as long as they adhere to the system). However, a transgendered person has to decide which of their choices will be least detrimental to his/her safety, though in all likelihood either will open them up to ridicule, or worse, violence. Society perepetually ostracizes those who do not fit neatly into the boxes of male and female.
The last privilege demonstrates how my sexual orientation ensures that, because my partner and I are of the same sex, our places in the hierarchy of the societal system are more similar than a man’s and a woman’s would be, though there will still be variations because of race, class, etc. A woman in a heterosexual relationship is almost guaranteed to have less power, or at least less perceived power, than her significant other. Though the power balance within the relationship may be equal, it will most likely not be seen that way in public. For instance, a valet is most likely to hand the couple’s car keys to the man. As part of a lesbian couple, assumptions like that are not often made.
After reading the male, white male, black male, and heterosexual checklists, a few of the examples caught my attention. From the male checklist, there were three that I gave an interest to and made me think about my privileges. The first example was, "As a child, chances are boys got more attention than girls who raised their hands just as often." I completely disagree with this as being a male privilege. Maybe this was true about 30 to 40 years ago, but not now. When I was growing up as a child, the males never got more attention than the females regardless of what the situation may have been. I am not saying that the males were ignored but they were never treated as if they were more important than the females. I would rather believe that females get more attention based on past experiences. Another one that made me think about my privileges was, "Most major religions argue that men should be head of the household, while the wife and the children should be subservient to his needs." I really began to dwell on this one because I am a Christian and I believe in the teachings of the Bible, but it has taken me a while to get to the point where I can willfully submit myself to my husband. I am a strong, independent female and my problem with that was I would prefer to be the one that's in charge. Since I believe in God and his teachings, then this was something I knew I would have to let go. The last one was, "If a man is heterosexual, it's incredibly unlikely that he will be beaten by his spouse or lover." I believe that if a female is homosexual chances of her being beaten are less likely than if she was heterosexual. Mainly because in most abusive relationships, it is particularly the man who is being abusive towards the woman. Women don't necessarily do that.
ReplyDeleteMy Checklist
1. I can slap a man or pour a drink on him in public for being disrespectful.
2. I can avoid risky, dangerous challenges and not be called a coward.
3. I have the right to interact with children not my own, and not have people look at me suspiciously.
4. I can expect to pay a lower premium for car insurance than a man with a similar driving record.
5. Men are expected to buy me drinks, meals, flowers, and jewelry in exchange for a chance to spend time with me.
Based on female gender privileges , I can slap a man or pour a drink on him in public for being disrespectful and probably suffer no consequences. A woman could get away with doing this before a man could. If a man was to do this in the same situation, a bystander would more than likely intervene. Behavior in this manner is not tolerated for men. Also related to gender privileges, would be the fact that I can avoid risky, dangerous challenges and not be called a coward. On the other hand, a man's masculinity would be called into question. Women have the right to interact with children that are not her own, and not have people look at her suspiciously. A man would be looked at as a pedophile. A mother would probably be worried if she saw a man interacting with her child that she does not know. This is not normally accepted in society for a man to interact with children that are not his own....
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ReplyDeleteWomen are subject to have lower car insurance premiums than a man with a similar driving record. I guess this is because women are presumed to be more responsible when it comes to driving than men. Some men have the tendency to drive recklessly and are more likely to do something irresponsible behind the wheel of a vehicle. Essentially, men are expected to buy women drinks, meals, flowers, and jewelry in exchange for a chance to spend time with a woman. Of course a woman expects these sorts of things from men and nothing less. Rarely will you see a woman doing this for a man, unless she is desperate for his attention. Basically, gender plays a big role in privileges granted and race does also. These are two factors that can't be overlooked within society. I don't agree with it, but this is the world that we live in.
If I have children but do not provide primary care for them, my masculinity will not be called into question. This off of the Male Privilege Checklist and to me is extremely true. Mothers are considered as the “primary” care taker of children, thus causing men tobe under the radar. As a child, chances are I got more teacher attention than girls who raised their hands just as often. This is also off of the Male Privilege Checklist, but I disagree with it. I don’t think that gender roles play a part in the classroom setting early on in the lives of men and women. I will never be expected to change my name upon marriage or questioned if I don’t change my name. This male privilege shows a lot. To me, it states that the man is the powerful one since the female drops her name and takes his.
ReplyDeleteThese checklists have opened my eyes extremely wide. Before reading any of this I never saw white males as having privilege over females or even black men; but they do. The opportunities that white men have are endless, and differ the most from black women. White men can easily work their way up into a company, and are not typically blamed for family problems. Also, they are typically paid a high starting salary than a female or a black male.
In my opinion, black women have it the toughest as far as privilege goes. They are stereotyped twice (as being a woman and being African-American). Women are degraded often, but are most oppressed by not having the privileges of men. Females are expected to rear an entire family, and are rarely have the opportunity to work their way up into a company. In fact, to most upper-division businessmen, women are simply seen as secretaries of offices.
My checklist as a white male:
1. I have much more exposure in professional sports.
2. I am able to get more respect from superiors in the work force.
3. I can be obscene, and not be seen as “out of the ordinary” or labeled.
4. I will never experience sexual harassment in my career.
5. Flaws in my children will most likely be put on my wife.
White Privilege
ReplyDelete1. I can be pretty sure that if I ask to talk to “the person in charge” I will be facing a person of my own race.
2. I can choose public accommodation without fearing that people of my race cannot get in or will be mistreated in the places that I have chosen.
3. I can easily buy posters, postcards, picture books, greeting cards, dolls, toys and children’s magazines featuring people of my race.
When reading about this topic and during class discussion, I realized that I never seemed to truly understand the differences between white and colored people as well as men and females of both genders. in looking through the checklists especially the one on white privilege, I always tend to walk in a store and automatically assume that there will be a man or woman of my race heading that store or restaurant. I never have thought twice about that possibility and the circumstances. Just by the way I was raised I never fear people of my own race as I do about the other. I assume my race is harmless because where I am from you only assume judgment from what you hear and see in the media and what is on the news. Finally the third point in the checklist that hit home for me was talking about how easy it was to find your race in picture books and dolls and other toys. I am always guaranteed that the doll I want is and will always be in my color and I never have to doubt not finding that product. But this also shows how in our day in time how unfair things are and probably never will be.
My checklist:
1. In my white neighborhood I feel safe and never have to worry about someone breaking into my house.
2. When it comes to getting help in a store, I never have problems with people wanting to help me find things.
3. I can walk into a store and they not assume I am going to steal anything.
4. I can travel freely without having the suspicion that I am a terrorist.
5. When getting my hair cut I don’t have to worry about them not having the right shampoo.
As as blonde white female I feel like each and every day I have a label on my back saying “there goes that ditsy girl…she doesn’t know what’s going on”. I have to say I am a true blonde and love being white. Being raise in the south attending a private school where we only had on colored boy in my graduating class and as well as being Baptist, I was never had the chance of getting to know the other race. I guess one could say I am a little racist, but being raised how I was I cannot help that and most definitely will not deny it. In lecture this past week we talked about what blacks and whites can do and what they cannot and in all actuality, each are free to do as they like. But the joys of walking onto a plane now ever since 911, I am not looked at as the suspicious one just because I’m a white blonde haired girl. Don’t get me wrong I am as sneaky as a snake and know what I am talking about half the time. When hearing what everyone had to say about this topic I just sat back and listened and made me sad to think that racism is what our world lives around and tends to be the focus half the time. But coming to a public school my outlook on colored people have definitely changed and come to the realization that they are people too and are as smart as most white people out there today.
1. I can turn on the televison or open to the front page of the paper and see people of my race widely represented.
ReplyDelete2. When I am told about our national heritage or about "civilization", I am shown that people of my color made it what it is.
3. I can be pretty sure that if I ask to talk to "the person in charge" I will be facing a person of my race.
When I read the White Priveledged checklist, these three points really stuck out to me. The first one about the media kind of made me feel dumb for never really noticing because it is literally everywhere, constantly being thrown in my face and I feel very unobservant for never really noticing how prevelant the white race is in the media world. The last two items are little more less obvious I feel like because they aren't things that come up everyday but are still very true. I never thought about what it might mean to any other race besides the white race when it come to our national heritage and that point really made me wonder what other races think when they are sitting in history class in elementary school and are being taught about our country. And the last point about the manager made me think and I really don't think I would really notice or be shocked if someone of a different race came out and say they were the manager. But what I liked about that point is that it did make me think and, sadly, I'm sure a lot of people do think that way and actually would be surprised if a white person didn't come out as the manager.
1. I can go have dinner with the person I love and have a good time without worrying what other people might think.
2. I can go to the movie theater in my town and expect to see mostly people of my race.
3. I can openly ask my friends and family for relationship advice and not expect any judgement about the sexual orientation of the person I love.
4. I can get on an airplane and expect the majority of the plane to be filled with people of my same race.
5. I can wear/buy the clothing that I want and expected to be socially accepted.
Points 1,3, and 5 are about heterosexuality. 1 and 3 have to do with relationships and to me this is something I've never given much thought to. I've never really tried to put what homosexuals have to go through every day into perspective but making this checklist really aloud me to do that. Something as small as walking out your front door with the one you love when you're a homosexual can be a very scary thing, and thats something I think most heterosexuals take for granted. Relationships are hard enough as it is and society really is making it that much harder on homosexuals to try and have normal, healthy relationships because of the "priviledges" it gives heterosexuals.
Points 2 and 4 have to do with race. I come from a mostly white town so this week's reading assignments really put the racial aspect of society into prespective for me. It really made me think about the places I go and who I see there and I'm usually so distracted that I don't notice things like the race of the people around me. But the reason for that is probably because I'm usually surrounded by people of my race and so I don't really think twice about it.
It is human nature to take the privileges we have for granted, especially the privileges in which we did not earn, but were born with. When reading the white, male, black male and heterosexual privileges checklists a lot of privileges stuck out to that I take for granted on a daily basis. My freshman year of college I used to potluck roommate system to find a roommate. My randomly selected roommate and I clicked instantly; I initially had no idea that she was a homosexual. When she told me I was a bit surprised, yet did not look at her any differently than I had before. She was very nervous and uneasy about revealing her sexuality in fear of me judging or becoming uncomfortable around her. I realized that as a heterosexual I will never have to face these fears when entering a new environment. As I white female I have never really taken notice to how much stores cater to my needs. I have full confidence that I can go to any store and purchase any shampoo, or makeup product that is appropriate for my hair or skin, something that an African American female may not have the option of doing. Some of the privileges listed on the white privilege checklist stuck out to me because they are something that I did not find I could relate to as a white citizen, for example, the one stating that I can do well in a challenging situation without it being called a credit to my race. There have been several times I have heard the term, “you’re only good at ______ because you’re white”. I think that whites just like any other race have the stereotypical tasks and talents that we tend to excel in.
ReplyDeleteMy privilege checklist:
ReplyDelete1. I know that I will not have to face a lot of the racial issues that someone of a different race in America may have to at one point.
2. I do not have the pressures of making the first move when it comes to the opposite sex.
3. I know that in a situation where I may be facing legal or other punishment I will not be treated as harshly as a man may be.
4. I have the option of making minor corrections or improvements to my looks with things such as makeup without being judged
5. I am allowed to marry the sex in which I am attracted to without receiving any negative judgments from others.
Being born white, heterosexual, and female I feel as though in our country I am at more of an advantage when it comes to simple privileges than others. There is absolutely nothing fair about this and I earned none of these, but do I deserve them? Yes, just as we all do. We all deserve the right to be with the one we love and are attracted to, no matter what the sex. It is continually shocking to me that still today in America gay marriage is still not legal and is frowned upon. Being from the south, I hear rude remarks all of the time mocking homosexuals, and viewing them with disgust. Last year I attended the University of Montevallo. Having a very large homosexual population I heard stories all the time of prejudice that some of these people had to face, and it never occurred to me how lucky I am that I will never have to worry about someone judging me for who I love, and what a terrible feeling that must be. Another privilege I am very grateful for makeup. As silly as this may sound I cannot imagine what I would do in a situation where my skin is breaking out and not being able to quickly fix the problem with concealer. I also love the fact that I can wake up after a rough night, put on some makeup and look refreshed and ready to go. These are very simple privileges, but still ones that I am most grateful for. I like the idea that traditionally a man is expected to be the first to approach, call, and peruse a woman. I know that I would not have the courage in a bar or any other social setting to go up to a man and ask him on a date, and nervously wait for either an acceptance or rejection. Of course I have found myself in similar situations; however it is traditionally not expected of me to make the first move, and being a naturally nervous and awkward person I am very grateful for this. Another privilege I have found to be true in most cases for females is whether it be receiving a speeding ticket, or getting in trouble in school, the punishment or treatment for females tends to be less harsh than for males. This may be due to the fact that people assume females to be kinder or gentler, or have naturally purer intentions than males. Whatever the case, I do know that this privilege has been in my favor on several occasions and for that I am appreciative. Some privileges that we do not possess are simple and petty, yet others can become an unfair barrier that can potentially hold us back or work against us in life, but I have learned to be appreciative of the privileges in which I have been given, and no longer take them for granted.
As a white person, I do not have to worry about people thinking I am poor or live in poverty if I dress very casually. Also, if I drive an older car, no one will assume I'm from the ghetto. Because I am white, my neighbors never fear me or assume I will cause trouble.
ReplyDeleteMy own checklist would include the following:
1. I can go to stores catered to white people.
2. I can buy hair products for my kind of hair at any place selling hair products.
3. I can be understood fearing black men.
4. I can expect to be in the majority in my classes.
5. I can easily find makeup for my skin color.
The system we all belong to categorizes us based on things such as race, nationality, gender, age, religion,...etc. We function properly when everyone is divided into categories because we know how to relate and react to them. We are merely players in a game, and we receive advantages and disadvantages based on the categories we are in.
The advantages given to different groups of people lead to the understood and assumed privileges of certain groups. We do not earn these advantages; they are simply given to us because of our biological makeup and inward choices. Therefore, we are judged by every other category of people for what we are given. This unfair and twisted way of playing the game may be corrupt, but we function. The game itself does not care what happens, as long as we function. So, we continue playing this game until rare people decide to stand up and change the rules.
Privileges:
ReplyDelete12 . If I have children and pursue a career, no one will think that I’m selfish for not staying at home.
25. There are value -neutral clothing choices available to me; it is possible for me to choose clothing that doesn’t send any particular message to the world
45. I have the privilege of being unaware of my privilege.
These made me think of my privilege in a new way that everyone knows how hard I have worked to get the education I am getting now. If I’m the one making the money then I don’t think I would be judged unfairly. Work for me will be all about new experiences and for supporting myself and my family.
All women have the choice to pick clothes that don’t send a “message.” But women do have a wider variety of clothes than men. I also think that it’s more the body type that sends a message. If a girl is wearing a low cut shirt and has size A breasts, and another wearing the same shirt has size D breasts it’s not the shirt it’s the woman. Men have choices also, while they don’t have as many options the style of their clothes could send a message too. I think a better way to say this would be that women are judged unfairly for their body type.
The privileges that I do have I can be unaware of. For example, the way I look could cause me to get better deals or options when I’m out shopping or even out to have a good time. As a woman we have the privilege of being offered to stay home and take care of the house and children. As a woman, I have the privilege of changing my hair without being called gay. As a young white blonde woman I have the privilege of being less judged for doing something illegal or out of the ordinary.
My Privileges:
1. As a young white blonde woman I have the privilege of being less judged for doing something illegal or out of the ordinary.
2. As a young white woman I am less likely to be judged for my economic class.
3. As a woman I am able to change the way I look because of the many options and varieties that I have without being called a homosexual, a whore, or any other name under the sun.
3 & 1/2. As a woman we have the privilege of getting a job because of the way we look, while this is unfair to women, men are less likely to be chosen for their looks.
4. As women we are more likely to get ourselves out of certain situations.- Ex. Being able to cry our way out of a speeding ticket.
5. As a woman we have the privilege to carry and have children. While if a man wanted a child he would have to get one from a woman.
As a young white blonde woman I am seen as someone who is put together and on the right track. While people may not know my economic class it is assumed that getting a college education doesn’t impact mine or my parent’s bank account. What people see on the outside doesn’t necessarily mean people see everything, I have light brown hair but I chose to be blonde, and what people don’t know about me is that I have 4 tattoos. While I’m out I might be more likely to get something for free because someone else bought it for me. I think that everyone makes most of their privileges , but for women being able to have children is a God given privilege. When women can’t have their own they rely on other women for a child. Women have the privilege of making other women’s dreams come true.
Of course there were plenty of examples that I could have chosen from that made me look at my privileges in a new way. However, I chose one from the list of Heterosexual Privileges and two from the Black Male Privilege Checklist. From the List of Heterosexual Privileges: “If the person I love dies, I can openly share my sorrow”. First of all, every one of these privileges states “the person I love” and not once does it say “the person I love of the same sex”. I believe that this is a way of showing how homosexual people are still people just like heterosexual people. If a heterosexual person loses their “lover” or spouse then they can openly grieve and others would willingly console, comfort, and encourage them. What about when a homosexual person loses the one that they love? Are they as equally received, consoled, comforted, and encouraged or are they looked at strangely and talked about for their lifestyle? From the Black Male Privilege Checklist: “I have the privilege of not being able to name one female leader in Africa or Asia, past or present, that I pay homage to the way I do male leaders in Africa and/or Asia.” This is actually a disgrace. A disgrace to strong women of Africa and Asia who suffered and fought behind the scenes and even in the open, but never received the recognition and honor that they’re worth. I believe that it is my right and my privilege as a black woman to know about women leaders of all races and backgrounds especially black women leaders. From the Black Male Privilege Checklist: “I have the privilege of not knowing what words and concepts like patriarchy, phallocentric, complicity, colluding, and obfuscation mean”. This last privilege stated from the Black Male Checklist not is really the privilege to be and remain ignorant. It’s the privilege to limit their vocabulary and mindset and also the privilege to remain ignorant of the standpoint as an oppressor or people who contribute to such oppression. People who not only believe that males are the head of the household, but are also in agreement to act in unison to a deceitful and illegal purpose where men are the center of everything.
ReplyDelete1. “I have the privilege as a feminist and basically who I am to go against society’s distorted view of “normal” and question the “food” of twisted ideologies and lies that are trying to be forced fed to me and all women and girls.”
2. “I have the privilege to be open-minded, but receive only the truth”
3. “I have the privilege to not remain ignorant about the issues that face the world and women today and to actively do whatever in my power to change it”.
4. “I have the right as a heterosexual to invite anyone (family, friends, co-workers, and etc) to my wedding without being ashamed or wonder if they will actually show up and support me in my decision to get married to the one I love.”
5. “I have the privilege as a female to call another female friend my “girlfriend” without the term being questioned as more than a term of endearment.”
6. “I have the privilege to not pity myself, but believe that I was made to be strong and love with wisdom and that no matter what I win”
These privileges explain some of the rights that I have as a woman, a heterosexual, a feminist, and more. It is sad to say, but I do have the privilege as a heterosexual to have an open wedding and not worry if something bad will happen or if the people will even show up. I do consider myself privilege in that area, however, I also have the privilege to not take part in such ignorance that occurs against homosexuals. I have the privilege to not shun them, but get to know them for who they are just like someone would get to know me as a friend. I do believe that because some men show great ignorance toward women that if I called one of my female friends “girlfriend”, they wouldn’t think of it as anything more than two friends playing around and showing care for each other.
When reading the different checklists, some of the different points I could relate to but being an african american female I its hard to find make up that matches my skin tone because my skin has different shade. When I do find bandaids they do not exactly match the color of my skin. some of the points that stuck out to me were on the black male privileges check list #39. Because african american women are always being defined as having a bad attitude.
ReplyDeleteMy Checklist:
1.As a female, if Im dresses in an attractive way, I am more likely to get out of a traffic ticket, get special attention.
2.When I watch tv I can watch tv shows with people like me and situations i can relate to.
3.I can read a magazine and read articles that I can relate to.
4.I can go to a store that caters to my hair type.
5.I can express the way I feel and not be judged.
Being the way I am I do not think african american women have that many privileges. If we do Im so unaware of them. If we cannot find stuff for our hair type at walmart or target we can go to a store that caters to the needs of our hair type. African American women already have it bad because we are women then we are african american. We have to work ten times as harder if we want a job over a male or to advance in the work place.
After reading those checklists, I didn't realize about how the advantages that I have can affect my life. Those advantages can put others at a disadvantage. I haven't put much thought into how those advantages can help get me into a good school and etc. I can see how some advantages for being a heterosexual, white women can help me in life.
ReplyDelete1.I can go to the store and find make-up that can match my skin color.
2.It's easy to find hair dye that matches the color of my hair.
3.I won't be critized for being a heterosexual woman.
4.I can get a good job because of the color of my skin.
5.Also, I can also get more help from people that work at the stores I go to.
I definitely think these privileges have an effect on my life. I know that people won't critize me for being heterosexual. People who are not heterosexual don't have that same privilege because being gay is not the norm in some places. Being straight is helpful for me when I have a job because my boss wouldn't critize or worse if I was gay.
I know that I can find make-up and hair dye that can match the color of my hair and skin. Also, my skin color could influence how a job interview goes. It can help get me a good job somewhere. Also, I could get more help from people working a store than an African American woman. I have nothing against those who have a different skin color or a different sexual preference.
After reading the checklists, they made me think of my privileges in a different way. Especially how many advantages I have as a person. I think several advantages can also lead into several disadvantages. I believe at times in my life I do not see how many advantages I have nor do I take advantage of those things enough. I know being a heterosexual white female can be an advantage in life, but honestly I have never even thought of that. I am a southern girl and I know in several societies that can be an advantage. I think it is a ridiculous advantage. The heterosexual checklist really got me thinking a lot. For example, my aunt is a lesbian and I know it is extremely hard for her to be what she wants in our society. I think gay marriage should be legal and it should be welcomed everywhere. As a heterosexual female, I have so many advantages, so why would it really matter? Sexuality should never be judged it is what it is.
ReplyDeleteFor myself, my checklist is:
1. I will never be judged for being a heterosexual female in this country.
2. I never have to worry about sales people following me around thinking I am going to steal something because of my skin color.
3. I can go to any store and find make up and hair products for my hair and my skin color.
4. I can look at any magazine and see my own race.
5. I can express my emotions the way I feel and not be questioned or looked at differently.
I believe all these points show privileges to most white heterosexual women. My first one is just a heterosexual advantage that most people want, almost a security blanket. My second one is a gender and racial advantage. My last three advantages are all gender and feminine privileges, women are mostly considered in tune with their feelings and expressing them. Most people view women as emotional. I would consider all of these privileges affect my life on a daily basis. I know people do not constantly criticize me because of my sexuality like people who are homosexual. Being a straight woman and growing up with gay family members I feel almost blessed because what they go through everyday, basically living a life of fear would be almost too hard for myself.
@Taylor Winkler
ReplyDeleteI'm not so sure I agree that a man is not criticized as much as a woman for cheating on their spouse. You clearly haven't heard women talk amongst themselves very much. Girls are pretty good and badmouthing guys. Especially cheaters. I see what you're saying, like men may not think it's so bad for another man to cheat. Females, however, think it is very very bad and do not approve.
@Virginia Jackson:
ReplyDeleteI definitely agree with you when you said, "it is the smaller things, like the greeting cards, that go unnoticed to most people." As a lesbian, I had noticed that I can never seem to find the right card for my girlfriend. However, I previously saw it more as an annoyance than as a symptom of the systems of oppression in place. Even as a member of an oppressed group, I think we so often focus on a few big issues and not at the way the whole cage is constructed. The inclusion of the greeting card issue on the checklist made me question how we, as the oppressed, deal with such small yet significant ways in which we are treated as lesser mainly by ignoring them, but it also made me question how we, as the oppressed, like to think that this kind of thing is somehow normal and okay without questioning the system that helped to put in place. Regardless of which group we belong to in a given situation, we nearly always fail to look at the whole system.
@S. Terrell:
ReplyDeleteI had never thought about one of the privileges you mentioned, that as women we have the right to interact with children not our own. I don't necessarily think it's true in all situations, but it is definitely more acceptable than it would be for a man to interact with someone else's children. I believe it can be related to the prevalence of gender stereotypes, for if men were the ones who were generalized to be nurturing and nonthreatening, especially when it comes to children, then they would enjoy that privilege.
@ WilliamV
ReplyDeleteand
@ Kaylyn Johnson
"Females are expected to rear an entire family..." just these words alone bring about an entire new perspective or insight into oppression. I knew this and have seen it, but you really don't hear these words out in the open. WE are taught to think of the males as the head of the household, but give them a "get out of jail free" card when it comes to upholding the shared repsonsibility in rearing a family. "...and rarely have the opportunity to work their way up into a company." Honesty and truth is so important and to hear the truth so bluntly put sometimes is really beneficial. I agree with Kaylyn Johnson when she said "Regardless of which group we belong to in a given situation, we nearly always fail to look at the whole system." These micro-agressions are anonyances as well as symptoms of opression to all. I will admit to not wanting to see oppression as a whole and living in an utopian self-created world. However no one can truly live without seeing, being apart of, or affected by what is going on in our society and world. Well said William and Kaylyn.
@ Taylor Winkler
ReplyDeleteI'm with Sarah Tate on not knowing if men are actually criticized less. I can see your point because if a woman is the one who cheats on her husband then she is an automatic "slut". Men don't really get those labels.
@ Kaylyn Johnson
ReplyDeleteI will have to say your post really got me thinking. I have honestly never thought about being in a relationship with a person of your gender would keep you where you didn't have the power struggle as those with the opposite sex.
@emilie
ReplyDeleteI love your checklist and agree completely with all five points.
@Alysia Nailor
ReplyDeleteThat is such a good point. I mentioned in my post that by being heterosexual one can openly love the person they love and be open to their friends and family. I didn't even think about that affecting homosexual's loosing their spouse. That must me incredibly hard for them if no one is there to comfort them during the grieving process.
@PMBlonder
ReplyDeleteI agree, I personally don't have a problem with homosexuality. Some of my guy friends are homosexual and they're extremely nice and fun. They even talked me into going out to one of their gay clubs and I didn't feel uncomfortable. The people there were having fun just like heterosexuals. I also personally believe that one should love whoever they want. Love is love no matter what sexual orientation.
@Carolyn Churchill
ReplyDeleteI thought the exact same way before reading these privilege checklists. Because I felt as though I was no oppressed I assumed others should not feel that way either. I didn't realize the reason why I do not feel oppressed is because of my unearned privileges.
@emilie paterson
ReplyDeleteI really liked your perspective about the wedding aspect of heterosexuals. I had considered the dating part of it but had not given much thought to how difficult getting engaged and married might be for homosexuals, more specifically the whole breaking the news to your family part.
@PMBlonder
ReplyDeleteI really liked your post because I think its interesting how you can kind of see through both heterosexual and homosexual eyes. I don't have a problem with homosexuality and I agree with you when you feel like it should be legal and more socially accepted. I just wish I could experience both sides of the story like you have. I also really liked your checklist as well.
I am privileged because I am a white straight female that lives in the south. There are many things that I now see that I take advantage of. I am not judged for my color or my sexuality.
ReplyDelete1. I can walk down the street with my boyfriend and not be judged of my sexuality
2.I can walk into a store and know that there are products that fit my skin color
3.I can walk into a nice store and not be judged of my color
4.I can watch tv and relate to people on there is heterosexual relationships
5.I can get help from others easily
All of these privileges I get is because of my sexuality,color, and heterosexuality.They all represent oppresion