Discussion 4

I really never consider myself privileged for many reasons. Growing up I lived with my mom in a country where I was not legal. Meaning I have no citizenship or in other words undocumented. By telling you (the class) this you can only imagine the unprivileged life I have experienced. Coming to America opened doors for me, doors I didn’t know were possible. I can honestly agree with white privilege. Privileged to me is being able to work a job without getting paid “ under the books”. Having a proper healthcare support system in case of any medical need. Not worrying about whether or not rent is going to be late this month. Going on family vacations, getting to go to college for a small cost, or having some type of credit score is all a privilege to me because a few years ago I was limited from all the simple things. Privilege to me is as simple as what any human being should have the opportunity of doing. I recently found out what oppression means about a week ago. Through a television show that frequently spoke about black oppression. Nevertheless, I don’t recall experiencing oppression while racist oppression anyway. However, sexist oppression happens to me quite often.  I would be stared at by older men who would try to talk to me. Constantly cat calling me on my way to school or work. I ignored them but it still makes me feel unsafe outside. When I was at work the supervisor only use to let the guys at the job do all the heavy lifting, taking out the garbage and breaking down the boxes. They were saying women can’t do those things because it’s a man’s job. Even though it is not something a person would want to do because it’s kind of gross taking out the garbage. However, why must women be  limited  from doing hard or heavy duty? We should all be treated the same regardless of if you are a man or woman. Reading Peggy Mclntoch’s article was very enlightening to say the least. I realize privilege is an invisible cloak that white people don’t know is there. They are not aware of the rights they have. Ms Mcintosh states, “ I can be pretty sure that if I asked to talk to you “ the person in charge,” I will be facing a person of race.” Privilege is being able to see your people of race in charge. To my understanding, having or being able to do something that others are not able to do is a privilege. The video was very sad to watch because privilege to one is another person’s disadvantage. Privilege is based on your family, their income, culture, race, etc . I noticed the black woman and young man were in the black. Majority of the people in the front were white. I believe white people do have more opportunities than blak people. Simply because I think white people come from a good home and they inherit more than black people do.  

4 thoughts on “Discussion 4

  1. Amirah Avila

    Being undocumented can definitely be a disadvantage in America. Coming from someone who has family members who are undocumented, I have seen discrimination against them first hand. White people can’t relate to that, which is a privilege. Oppression in the work place is real! I like that you mentioned how the guys were always the one chosen to do the heavy work, as if women can’t do that same. The video upset me also because seeing minorities in the back was something I can relate to.

    1. Brianne Waychoff

      There are also white immigrants who can relate to being undocumented. And there are people of color who can’t relate to being undocumented. The root issue is citizenship – it is a privilege and those who have it don’t experience the oppression that comes with not having it.

  2. Talisha Dwyer

    I understand the disadvantage you’ve faced being undocumented. I am happy you are able to identity your struggles and to reflect upon them to see how far you have come. I believe the first place most people see oppression is in the workplace especially when you have come from a whole other country. The video allowed us to also see that privilege comes into play with race and gender.

  3. Samantha Rojas

    Hi Shanice,

    Thank you for taking the time to share your experiences with us. I too found McIntosh’s writing on white privilege to enlightening. I like how you used an “invisible cloak” as an example to a person’s privilege. No matter where we are from and where we are, we all wear this invisible cloak that comes with privileges we may not even know are there.

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