Please read the Peggy McIntosh and Tim Wise papers on the topic of White Privilege. After reading these, read the articles “White Fragility” and “My Class Didn’t Trump My Race” by Robin D’Angelo. After reading each, write a brief reflective response (2 -3 pages) indicating whether you believe there is such a thing as “White Privilege” AND how White fragility, and one’s White identity is related to White privilege. Specifically, you are to:
• Describe the evidence for the existence or non-existence of white privilege. In other words, if you believe white privilege is a real phenomenon, what evidence supports your view of this? If you do not believe white privilege exists, what evidence supports this view?
• If you believe white privilege does exist, describe in your own words what you believe the consequences of white privilege are? (How does it affect people in the world? How does it affect you?)
• If you do not believe white privilege exists, please describe in your own words, what the consequences are for those who believe white privilege is real, if in fact it is not real. (Does it hurt people to believe that white privilege is real if it isn’t? How so?)
• Do you consider yourself a “privileged” individual? Why or why not? Explain.
• What is your understanding of how White people cultivate their White identity and how is this related to White privilege?
• How is White fragility connected to White privilege?
• What is the best way to address these issues so that all people are able to experience equal opportunities? (Note: There is no “right” answer for this. This is your opinion).
