In 1988, Peggy McIntosh wrote the paper, “White Privilege: Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack” to discuss the advantages white people have over people of color. In her work, she describes white privilege as an invisible package of unearned assets that white people can count on cashing in each day. McIntosh goes on to list 50 examples of privilege, which have since been expanded to include more than 100 examples.

In this article, we’ll unpack the “invisible knapsack” of white privilege and discuss how it affects the lives of people of color in the United States and around the world. We will also discuss how white privilege can be addressed and dismantled in our society.

What is White Privilege?

White privilege is an unearned advantage that white people receive in a society that is structured in favor of them. It is the invisible advantage enjoyed by white people that is not available to people of color. It is the systemic exclusion of people of color from institutions, opportunities, and resources that are available to white people.

White privilege is the result of a long history of institutional racism and discrimination. It is the result of centuries of laws, policies, and attitudes that have created an unequal playing field for people of color. These policies, attitudes, and laws have been designed to keep people of color in a subordinate position to white people.

Examples of White Privilege

McIntosh’s paper listed 50 examples of white privilege. These examples include the assumption that white people are the “default” in society, the lack of awareness of white privilege, and the ability to move through society without being racially profiled. Here are a few of the examples of white privilege listed in McIntosh’s paper:

• I can if I wish arrange to be in the company of people of my race most of the time.
• I can be sure that my children will be given curricular materials that testify to the existence of their race.
• I can be pretty sure that my neighbors in such a location will be neutral or pleasant to me.
• I can go shopping alone most of the time, pretty well assured that I will not be followed or harassed.
• I can turn on the television or open to the front page of the paper and see people of my race widely represented.

These examples illustrate how white privilege is embedded in the fabric of our society. It is often invisible to white people, but it is felt by people of color every day.

How White Privilege Affects People of Color

White privilege has a profound impact on the lives of people of color. It affects their access to education, housing, employment, healthcare, and other resources. People of color are more likely to be discriminated against in the workplace, paid less for the same work, and penalized for minor infractions. People of color are also more likely to be targeted by police and more likely to be incarcerated.

The impact of white privilege is felt not just in the United States, but around the world. White privilege has a long history in many countries and continues to shape the lives of people of color in those countries.

How to Address White Privilege

The first step in addressing white privilege is to acknowledge its existence. White people must recognize that they benefit from privilege and that people of color are disadvantaged by it. Once this is acknowledged, then steps can be taken to address it.

The next step is to understand the privileges that white people have and the disadvantages experienced by people of color. This can be done by educating yourself about the history of racism and discrimination in the United States and around the world. Educating yourself about the current state of racism and discrimination can also be helpful.

Finally, it is important to take action to challenge white privilege. This can be done by engaging in conversations about racism and discrimination, supporting organizations that work to address racism and discrimination, and voting for candidates who are committed to dismantling racism and discrimination.

Conclusion

White privilege is an invisible advantage that white people have over people of color. It is embedded in the fabric of our society and has a profound impact on the lives of people of color. The first step in addressing white privilege is to acknowledge its existence and understand the privileges that white people have and the disadvantages experienced by people of color.

Once this is done, then steps can be taken to address white privilege. This can be done by engaging in conversations about racism and discrimination, supporting organizations that work to address racism and discrimination, and voting for candidates who are committed to dismantling racism and discrimination.