"White Privilege: Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack"

AUTHOR: Peggy McIntosh


TEXT SOURCE: Independent School
YEAR: 1990
PAGES: 1-6

SUMMARY:
This article is about the hidden privileges of being Caucasian. The author explains how many whites are oblivious to these hidden tools and benefits that get them to the top because they are raised and molded not to see them. She then provides a lists of her privileges as a white person.

WHAT ARE THE CONCERNS OF THIS AUTHOR? This author is concerned how she, as someone who does have white privilege, could help to equalize power and opportunities for colored people in the system and society.

WHY ARE THESE ISSUES IMPORTANT TO A DEEPER UNDERSTANDING OF SYSTEMS AND STRUCTURES OF OPPRESSION, POWER, PRIVILEGE, AND RESISTANCE? It is important to understand these issues and have them recognized as a problem if we as a society want to progress. Having unequal opportunities will create a never ending pattern through generations.

HOW DO POSITION TO THIS ARTICLE? ARE THERE THREADS OF THIS PIECE THAT 'SPEAK' IN FAMILIAR WAYS TO ISSUES, EXPERIENCES, MEMORIES IN YOUR OWN LIFE? EXPLAIN.

I agree with this article because I believe most people who are apart of a dominant group don't see the hidden privilges and shelter that they have. During the news coverage for the Virginia Tech shootings, the media and public underlined the fact that the gunman's ethnicity was Korean. This was soon followed by an apology from the Korean governement and a backlash towards all Asians. In the Columbine shootings, no one underlined the gunmans' race as a factor of their actions or target others of their ethnicity.

HOW ARE THERE SIMILARITIES AND DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THE GROUPS/INDIVIDUALS UNDER DISCUSSION AND OTHER MINORITIZED/OPPRESSED GROUPS?

This article represents the fact that many people who are apart of the dominant group don't see their hidden opportunities that they have. Not only does this article represent a concept for just race- it can go towards other groups like gays and women.

DO YOU AGREE WITH THE MAIN ARGUMENTS MADE? WHY OR WHY NOT?

I agree with the main articles made because it is apparent in everyday life and society.