In Peggy McIntosh's article, "White Privilege: Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack," I believe she does a thorough job explaining the premise and idea behind white privilege. The definition of white privilege is, "the level of societal advantage that comes with being seen as the norm in America" (Christine Emba). In this case, if you are born white in America, then you have an advantage. Peggy explains this in her article by listing the daily effects of white privilege. The statements that she lists could differ for someone who is of color. Reading this article made me think about my own race. When she said white people are brought up not recognizing white privilege, she's right. I never realized it until I was much older. However, it's not like my parents were going to sit me down and tell me about it. There is no need to explain it because it is not a negative thing. This could be in comparison to a person of color explaining racism to their child. White privilege is basically the norm for white people. Since it's the norm, they don't realize they have it. Personally, saying I have "white privilege" makes me uncomfortable. I don't want to feel more entitled or privileged based on my skin color. But that's just the way it is. Because I was born white, I'm already at an advantage according to society's standards.
An article written by Kevin Roose explains the conflict with saying "All Live Matter" in response to "Black Lives Matter." The Black Lives Matter movement is an activist movement that campaigns against violence and racism towards black people. With that being said, where it is true that all lives matter, saying that in response ignores the problem at hand. That is what Roose is discussing in his article. He also talks about the difference between a white woman being killed and a black man being killed. A white woman who is killed is considered news whereas a black man who is killed is not. Reflecting back on McIntosh's article, this is where white privilege comes into play. I agree with Roose. Saying "All Lives Matter" is taking away from the problem and disregarding it. The BLM movement was created to acknowledge and campaign against violence and racism towards black people. In my opinion, saying "All Lives Matter" is disrupting and shutting down the original BLM movement.
Question: Why do people feel it's appropriate to respond to Black Lives Matter with All Lives Matter?
"What is White Privilege?" - Christine Emba
-This link leads to Christine Emba's article. This is where I found the definition for white privilege.
hi I really like how you set up your post and the images you posted with it. I also completely agree with what you had to say for each.
ReplyDeleteTo answer your question, I believe the majority of people who say All Lives Matter in response to Black Lives Matter don't really know better or don't see it as a negative response. The logic behind All Lives Matter is simply to say that black lives are just as important as everyone else's life. You can disagree with that, but that's just how some people view this response.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Justine, I think people say "All Lives Matter" because they think that it is also racism to say that just Black Lives matter but the lives of others don't.I have heard people say that it encourages racism. Its like what you said about being white and privileged making you uncomfortable. I think when people hear about BLM they get uncomfortable and defensive. They have to acknowledge their white privilege first I think.
ReplyDeleteI love the pictures you have included!
ReplyDeleteI like the comic you chose. It backs up your thoughts well.
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