I thought it was interesting that we discussed the notion of the hidden and not so hidden privileges of being a white person in society. It was kind of a hot topic, and it brought a lot of controversy to the table, and opinions based on people’s experiences and perceptions. The handouts that were provided by both teachers were kind of insightful because of the personal feelings about racial discrimination by the authors.
What I learned from the discussions in both classes, was that it is important to at least be aware that it’s going on even if you don’t notice it in your own everyday life. I guess that’s what stood out for me the most. Even though you may not be a person who doesn’t feel you discriminate, if you say nothing or don’t acknowledge the struggles of others based on the fact that you’re a white person, then in a way it’s accepting it as status quo.
Also, being a white male makes you the most privileged, so, as a woman, I also feel the discrimination of being treated less than a man. I heard a man say he shouldn’t have to give up his privileges because he’s a man, and that women and minorities should just work harder. I still doesn’t make it fair when a man and woman do the same job, but a man is paid more. This is archaic to me…
As teachers, we must be aware of the privileges that whites in America have, and to be very careful not to stereotype kids based on their race. Even though it’s hard to believe it still goes on, it’s important to be sensitive to each student’s individuality. I will try to always appreciate and respect students’ feelings based on white privileges, and how it affects student learning.
I agree with you. We shouldn't stereotype people based on their race or their gender. It can be difficult at times because we are so used to stereotyping all of the time. I think it's important to get to know a person. It's important to look beyond race, gender, and stereotypes. If we try learn about the person, we begin to understand the individual as a person who has hopes, dreams, goals, and aspirations.
ReplyDeleteEach child should be treated the same, no matter what race they are. But as teachers we have to also understand that many children have not been treated the same in many situations, simply based on their culture. Through my experiences in working with children, some children try and hide who they are, like they are ashamed. This is so sad and most likely they were not born like that, those feelings are there due to a situation that has made them feel that way. So some of these types of children may need some extra attention and direction to see their culture in a positive way. The other issue is realize who you are and what the child or family precieves you as, because that will determine how well they handle your help and feedback about the child.
ReplyDeleteI think white privilege is something that will always be controversial. Male privilege is also prevalent, and I see it sticking around for a long time. The whole equal pay thing is also ridiculous. Women have made some strides in the past few years when it comes to making as much money as men, but alas, we still lag behind. Will we ever catch up? It's sad that I have become accustomed to less pay just because I am a woman. It's sad that I expect it. Equality is a desire of our society, but we still continuously put people down for even the most trivial things. We talk a lot, but don't take action! It's hard to make massive changes when some people in the world are against it.
ReplyDeleteI think the interesting question is why do we never think about the advantages we have. There are lots of types of advantages. There's the advantage of having money, of being smart, of having good looks, but I doubt that any of the folks with those characteristics ever outwardly discuss the advantages that come with those characteristics. Why is that? Perhaps it's just a human trait where we focus on the negative instead of acknowledging the positive. Just a thought.
ReplyDeleteWell what I want to know is why does this privilege belong to whites? They are not so genetically superior, as some professors would say. For example, Jared Diamond, in his book Guns, Germs and Steel, argue that, while they may have been brave, had guns, germs and steel to conquer other countries. These gifts were not entirely from Europe. Reginald Horsman, in his book, Race and Manifest Destiny is also a great read. So is Tree of Hate by Philip Powell, it is a great follow-up to Horsman. Now that I am aware of privilege and since I am immediately identified as American when I travel to Mexico, Spain or Peru, where I thought I was returning to the mother country, why can’t that privilege be useful for me in America?
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