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The "myth" of "White privilege".

First off, I know this a very controversial, however I wish to ask it to see perspective.


Now that's out of the way I want to say that I'm almost completely against Political Correctness. In fact, it hurts me to not be able to speak my mind without worrying about being labelled something. Of course there are limits.

I'm a white, straight, cis, 21 year old male. According to most on the left, I'm extremely priviliged. Somehow, when I was born I was given a green card, or privilege card which allows me to have more benefits than people of colour or people of another sexuality...

Somehow people of colour, women and people belonging to other sexuality groups than my own, suffer in work and they feel as if they're being tied down with ball and chain.

I honestly don't see this.. I personally think it's a complete myth. ANYONE, so long as they work hard, can reach their dreams.


Here's a link to a thoroughly informative video about the Myth.


https://youtu.be/rvEvJaF0w2o

Scroll to see replies

lol ok
Do you deny instuitional racism in the uk and abroad ? I would not blame if you did as you said your white . Your very unlikely to face the levels of discrmination or abuse that a person of colour would
Original post by Pheoa101
lol ok



So I'm assuming you think there is then?
Original post by Pure class
Do you deny instuitional racism in the uk and abroad ? I would not blame if you did as you said your white . Your very unlikely to face the levels of discrmination or abuse that a person of colour would



This has nothing to do with racism, so please don't bring that up. NO I do NOT deny it.

I believe the left and politics in general has totally distorted what privilege is.
Okay, right.

I am also white, straight and cis. The only difference, apparently, is that I'm a woman.

I can however acknowledge that historical oppression of minorities, combined with some lingering institutionalised prejudices (and socialised prejudices too), definitely adds up to an environment that causes some people to struggle in ways you and I will not understand or be able to experience.

Denying this is really just... Bizarre.

As an example - Black people were prevented from reaching positions of power or of higher salaries. Therefore their children could not have as comfortable a life as a white counterpart may have had (e.g. can't afford a private school, can't afford a private tutor etc). This results in the next generation also being unable to break out of the cycle, etc etc.

Sure, things are over all gradually improving for those who aren't white, who are disabled, not straight or not cis. But the fact that so many people do still having lingering prejudices (often ingrained since childhood and not necessarily the fault of the individual) does cause an environment of privilege for some.

It seems surreal to suggest that a gay, black, transgender woman has as much of a chance at a high-paying career, perhaps in government, as an upper class white straight cis man.
Original post by VotreAltesse
This has nothing to do with racism, so please don't bring that up. NO I do NOT deny it.

I believe the left and politics in general has totally distorted what privilege is.


Well, if you accept that institutionalised racism exists in this country, how is it still possible that there is no such thing as privilege? I'm confused as to how those two things can co-exist.
Original post by ChocoCoatedLemons
Well, if you accept that institutionalised racism exists in this country, how is it still possible that there is no such thing as privilege? I'm confused as to how those two things can co-exist.



You should watch the video. It explains it better than I ever could.
Original post by ChocoCoatedLemons
Well, if you accept that institutionalised racism exists in this country, how is it still possible that there is no such thing as privilege? I'm confused as to how those two things can co-exist.


Indeed, it is bizarre.
That video talks about 'weak arguments' by starting with an obvious strawman. Nice.

After watching the first minute I really can't be bothered to waste any more time. In fact she appears to be arguing against the phrase 'check your privilege' rather than the concept anyway.
Original post by VotreAltesse
You should watch the video. It explains it better than I ever could.


If you didn't want a debate on your views, why did you begin the thread?

Care to respond to my other post? It has more content, which since you wanted a debate must be what you're aiming for.
Original post by ChocoCoatedLemons
If you didn't want a debate on your views, why did you begin the thread?

Care to respond to my other post? It has more content, which since you wanted a debate must be what you're aiming for.


Who says I don't want a debate lol

Good grief!
Original post by RayApparently
That video talks about 'weak arguments' by starting with an obvious strawman. Nice.

After watching the first minute I really can't be bothered to waste any more time. In fact she appears to be arguing against the phrase 'check your privilege' rather than the concept anyway.


Yeah, I caught the strawman too. Not really worth watching after that, if that's something she's going to actually use.

Try actually debating OP! It would be interesting to hear any arguments you've got - not some video that's flawed from the outset.
Original post by VotreAltesse
First off, I know this a very controversial, however I wish to ask it to see perspective.


Now that's out of the way I want to say that I'm almost completely against Political Correctness. In fact, it hurts me to not be able to speak my mind without worrying about being labelled something. Of course there are limits.

I'm a white, straight, cis, 21 year old male. According to most on the left, I'm extremely priviliged. Somehow, when I was born I was given a green card, or privilege card which allows me to have more benefits than people of colour or people of another sexuality...

Somehow people of colour, women and people belonging to other sexuality groups than my own, suffer in work and they feel as if they're being tied down with ball and chain.

I honestly don't see this.. I personally think it's a complete myth. ANYONE, so long as they work hard, can reach their dreams.


Here's a link to a thoroughly informative video about the Myth.


https://youtu.be/rvEvJaF0w2o


Of course you don't, that's the point.
Original post by VotreAltesse
Who says I don't want a debate lol

Good grief!


Well, just telling people to watch the video instead was a little indicatory... Okay! Looking forward to a reply then :smile:
Original post by ChocoCoatedLemons
Well, just telling people to watch the video instead was a little indicatory... Okay! Looking forward to a reply then :smile:


If you watched the video you would get the answer. But, oh well. See you then!
Original post by RayApparently
Of course you don't, that's the point.


:K: Oop there it is :clap2:
I guess the term 'white privilege' is rather confrontational, but it is a phenomenon, I'm afraid...
Original post by ChocoCoatedLemons
Yeah, I caught the strawman too. Not really worth watching after that, if that's something she's going to actually use.

Try actually debating OP! It would be interesting to hear any arguments you've got - not some video that's flawed from the outset.


Agreed.

Original post by ChocoCoatedLemons
:K: Oop there it is :clap2:


A bit blunt but it had to be said. :colondollar:

Original post by satanicwarmaster
I guess the term 'white privilege' is rather confrontational, but it is a phenomenon, I'm afraid...


It's not a phrase I ever use but as you say the phenomenon exists. Its a bit offensive to deny it does to be honest.
Original post by satanicwarmaster
I guess the term 'white privilege' is rather confrontational, but it is a phenomenon, I'm afraid...


As I've tried to say before - it's not the fault of most white people today, most people haven't made conscious decisions to facilitate oppression. But unfortunately it does exist, all we can try and do is acknowledge it and help even the scales for everyone. :smile:

Wouldn't it be a much better would if we all had the same chances? If it really was just based off how hard you work and the choices you make, not where you're from or who your parents are? Sounds quite nice to me.
(edited 8 years ago)

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