White Privilege Unpacking The Invisible Knapsack

This purpose of this paper is to synthesize this writer s three key revelations from this semester which are, (1) white privilege, (2) curriculum corruption and inadequate United States history education in K-12 public schools, and (3) United States legislation which disadvantages the minor races as a means for the dominate race to maintain power and control. Thus, this exploration organizes each area of significant course discovery, which a hybrid of class sources and readings relating to each area of learning supports. Additionally, this synthesis includes a summary of this writer s social location as well as the course material’s impact on the understanding and interpretation of these themes. Finally, this paper ends with a conclusion and presents final thoughts about the concepts we ve discussed in the Sociology 321 - Race and Ethnicity course throughout the spring 2016 semester. White Privilege To begin, the first pivotal revelation is the concept of white privilege. White Privilege, as Peggy McIntosh specifies in her essay, â€Å"White Privilege: Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack†, is a set of unearned assets which a white person in America can count on cashing in each day yet they remain oblivious to. This theme resonates as prior to this course, though aware of certain advantages as a seemingly â€Å"white† person in society, I was unaware of its official terminology. Also, as a person with one quarter American Indian blood I’m classified as a minority, however, I’mShow MoreRelatedWhite Privilege: Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack920 Words   |  4 PagesIn the article, â€Å"White Privilege: Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack†, Peggy McIntosh talks about the various privileges white people receive. Her basic idea was to inform the readers that whites are taught to ignore the fact that they enjoy social privileges that people of color do not because we live in a society of white dominance. McIntosh lists some daily white privileges; a variety of daily instances where white dominance is clear. Her examples include privileges relating to education, careersRead MoreWhite Privilege : Unpacking The Invisible Knapsack967 Words   |  4 Pagesunspoken biases that have become increasingly convoluted and entrenched within society over time. It also doesn’t help white people to recognize these discriminatory practices considering they have been unconsciously tailored to be consistent with white perspective and mentality. In her article, White Privilege: Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack, Peggy McIntosh examines not only how white folks often consider themselves to be a normative figure within society, but also how they are carefully taught notRead MoreThe Readings White Privilege : Unpacking The Invisible Knapsack, By Peggy Mcintosh, White Women, Race Matters1425 Words   |  6 PagesThe readings Wh ite Privilege: Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack, by Peggy McIntosh, White Women, Race Matters by Ruth Frankenberg and Representing Whiteness in the Black Imagination, by bell hooks, all cover the issue of whiteness from different perspectives. There are many aspects of whiteness; in this essay, I will argue that the two most important features are the absence of knowledge of the issue on the part of white people and stereotype consequences. A key point in racism is whiteness, andRead MoreDoes Affirmative Action Correct Past Injustices?942 Words   |  4 PagesJustice: Does Affirmative Action correct past injustices? Privilege and discrimination are very complex due to the fact that there is not only one factor that goes into causing a person to be discriminated against. Traits such as race, sex, class, gender, and sexual orientation are just a few of the numerous reasons why someone might possess privilege or be a victim of discrimination. This is the â€Å"concept of Intersectionality [which] recognizes that people can be privileged in some ways and definitelyRead MoreAnalysis Of White Privilege : Unpacking The Invisible Backpack949 Words   |  4 Pagestheir privileges somehow. Imagine if everyone carried a knapsack. This knapsack carries all of our privileges, whether it is our gender, religion, or even simply our ability to breathe without an oxygen tank. Every knapsack that everyone carries is different; however, the only way we could know what’s in a knapsack, you have to be willing to ask and look for your answers. Peggy McIntosh exploits this concept of a â€Å"knapsack† , as she pulls apart what’s in her own sack in her article, â€Å"White Privilege:Read MoreWhite Privilege : A Crime America Pays For1635 Words   |  7 PagesWhite Privilege: A Crime America Pays for Being Privilege is something many of us do not realize we have on an everyday basis. Privilege is something you can get over time, but others are born with the natural ability to be privileged. Anybody who is â€Å"white† descent is born with what is known as white privilege. Many of us do not recognize this the privilege that comes with being white in society. We go on everyday taking advantage of other races by being white without even knowing it. Read MoreGender, Racial, Sexuality, Race, And Class ( 11 )975 Words   |  4 Pagesopportunity for unique difference. Categorizations are a fantasy of whiteness that validates the dominant status quo. White supremacists demonstrate an inability to comprehend reason by projecting their inadequacies onto the Other. hooks does not claim white people are evil nor does she intend to evaluate them, rather she is acknowledging the terror she feels in response. Whites feared interracial relationships would erode the colour line a nd thus segregation was an effective strategy that limitedRead MoreAnalysis Of White Privilege : Unpacking The Invisible Backpack1113 Words   |  5 Pagesâ€Å"White Privilege: Unpacking the Invisible Backpack† by Peggy McIntosh is about the dominant white race having societal advantages over the minority race. White privileges are known for having favorable advancements to white people and particularly men in that category. For those who receive benefits due to their origins of the white race refuse to acknowledge the power they have over the minority race. Instead, whites see all races having the same opportunity to become successful. Due to their obliviousnessRead MoreWhite Privilege: Unpacking the Invisible Backpack786 Words   |  4 PagesWhite Privilege: Unpacking the Invisible Backpack Peggy McIntosh’s piece â€Å"White Privilege: Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack† describes the privileges white people gets without realizing their advantage over others. Peggy talks about racism being a part of everyday life even though we ignore it. Her main idea was to inform the readers that whites are taught to ignore the fact that they enjoy social privileges that people of color do not because we live in a society of white dominance. Her examplesRead MoreReflection Paper On Inequality1056 Words   |  5 Pagesvalue and I want to share my experience. I took a woman’s study class last year that focused on inequality and it addressed white privilege. We also read the book The New Jim Crow and it was very enlightening. We watched some Time Wise lectures as well. Our professor wanted each of us to have a deeper understanding of what others face in regards to discrimination and privilege. He was very upfront from the beginning of class that the topics would be uncomfortable and his intent was to take you out