^_^

The conversation in English last week, the one about the invisible backpack that white Americans carry with them at all times, has continued to swell up in the back of my mind for the past week. I find myself hyperaware of the things I say, see, or do regarding race and my place as a white person in this world.  

I've always known that being white is easier than being black in this country. Even our new president cannot hide that fact. But I have never been aware of the burden that I carry everyday (as was the main point of the article). 

So, what now? Am I to be ashamed of my whiteness? Am I to feel responsible for the oppression of minority races in America? It is very true that my privileges are undeserved, but inevitable. I was born white, and therefore more fortunate that the major minority of the country. Because of my skin color, I, by default, have easier access to good education, steady jobs, and respect. Never have I walked away from an unfair situation and thought, "Was it because of my skin?" My family has never been turned down in a restaurant, or on a vacation, and we've never had to worry about the people we associate with. My parents have never had to warn me against people who may discriminate me because of my skin (though, they have always taught me to treat those of other races equally.)  

But, why should I give up my privileges? Of course I know that my race does not, in morale, put me above anyone else. Yet, why should I give up or not take advantage of what my race does give me? Never would I want to see someone else denied of anything because of their race, but does that I mean that I shouldn't get good jobs or good customer service or good anything because others don't? I don't think I should punish myself because of the undeserved rights I have. 

Not to suggest, though, that I would not like to see minority races receive equal rights and respect as whites. I firmly believe that people should acknowledge the differences in races, but that all races should not be treated unkindly or differently because of them. And, as someone whose race is in higher power in America, shouldn't I use the advantages I have to try to make changes for oppressed races? 

It was mentioned, in the article, that when it came to women's rights, men would work hard to get women equal opportunity, but they would not lower their own status. While one part of me is pissed off by this fact, another part sees the logic. Why should a man lower his status in society? What will that achieve? Instead, shouldn't he be using the social powers he holds to better the world for women? I think that is the same thing with whites and blacks, or Asians, or Native Americans, etc. Whites should not have to give up what power they automatically have in society, but they should instead use that power to build stronger foundations for other races; to get them equal rights; to set an example of how things should be. Lowering one's status, to me, is almost like saying, "Well, you can't work up to where I am, so I'll just come down to your level."