Introduction

The notion of privilege emerged from Critical Race Theory (CRT). According to Bergerson, CRT evolved out of legal studies and the recognition that the legal system can perpetuate racism. The crux of CRT is to engage persons of color in efforts to combat and eliminate racism (Bergerson, 2003). CRT is a theory "developed by people of color to better understand their experiences and to revolutionize the current system in ways that could ultimately be viewed as...beneficial to people of color" (Bergerson, 2003, p. 56). 

One of the main tenets of CRT is the centrality of race and racism in our society and by examining both the micro (individual acts of racism) and macro (how society and its institutions perpetuate racism). CRT proponents promote the use of counter stories that challenge dominant cultural perspectives and views (Bergerson, 2003).

This discussion focuses on privilege and Peggy McIntosh's (1988) account of the unearned privileges of white Americans and males in the United States.  In "White Privilege and Male Privilege: A Personal Account of coming to See Correspondences Through Work in Women's Studies," McIntosh discusses how she realized an invisible knapsack containing 54 unearned male and white privileges. She pointed out how these privileges serve as invisible protection in all moments of one's life.

In the Black community and other communities of color, "colorism "is an issue involving skin color. Historically Black Americans and other people of color possessing lighter skin tones were considered "privileged" and afforded better jobs, education, social class standing, homes, and pay among other things.  The following explains colorism in detail.

Colorism involves distinctions based on skin color (light, medium and dark) and results in the favorable or unfavorable treatment of individuals based on the lightness or darkness of their skin color. With its foundation deeply rooted in white superiority, white supremacy, white privilege, racism, prejudice and stereotypes, colorism is complex in nature, occurs interracially and intraracially, and is detrimental to the psychological well-being of victims.

Interracial colorism involves a member of one racial group making a distinction based on the skin color of members belonging to a different racial group (White vs. Black or Indian vs. Latino). This form of colorism results in preferential, prejudicial or disparate treatment of victims. 

Intraracial colorism involves a member of one racial group making a distinction based on the skin color of members belonging to the same racial group (Black vs. Black or Asian vs. Asian). This form of colorism is more complex than interracial colorism and also results in preferential, prejudicial or disparate treatment of victims. Historically people of color have been victims of interracial and intraracial colorism. (Culbreth, 2006)

Discussion Questions

• Explain what McIntosh means by the concept of "white privilege and provide an example.
• Does "white privilege" and "colorism" affect equality in the workplace?
• How does this article help you to understand the oppression that members of other groups may experience?
• Reread the list of 46 examples of white privilege and select five examples that seem the most significant in help you to understand that white people are privileged. Explain your selections.
• Complete the Privilege Checklist on pp. 27 and report the three most significant true statements and three most significant false statements.
• Is colorism, in any form (intraracial and interracial), the same as white privilege?
• Most of us have experienced privilege in some form.  Describe an example from your experience.

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