White Privilege

White Privilege: Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack
By Peggy McIntosh

In Peggy McIntosh's "White Privilege" argues that white privilege is a huge problem in our society that is often oppressed by the white race unconsciously. The race as a whole refuses to acknowledge the problem and is taught that the privileges aren't essentially there. McIntosh reverse to white privilege as, "an invisible weightless knapsack of special provisions, maps, passports, code books, visas, clothes, tools and blank checks," (McIntosh p. 1). This explanation of white privilege shows that the white race benefits from privileges without even recognizing its existence.

She discusses all of the privileges she has noticed in a list of twenty six different ideas of white privilege. Some examples of hers are being able to walk and go anywhere without being harassed due to skin color or race. Whites are able to feel confident that policemen aren't pulling them over due to their skin color or race. One that I thought was very powerful was the idea that whites have the expectation that neighbors will be decent to you, or that their race will not count against them in court. She talks about how these should be a norm for everyone in society. No one should lack these privileges. Why is it that not everyone have these privileges. Why is it only a privilege to whites?

One thing I've never actually heard of or even thought of, as a matter of fact, is the idea that whites have a privilege of being able to find bandages in "flesh" color and have them more or less match their skin color. 

Why is it that its much harder to find things that match other peoples skin color such as bandages or makeup? Why is that a privilege to whites? Why don't most places sell different shades of bandages and makeup?