In the modern world, the technological revolution allows media outlets such as social networking to become faucets for rampant racism and subconscious “othering.”
In the online world, as opposed to reality, it is easy for one to disconnect from the real world and become fully consumed in online fantasy. Online, individuals are capable of alienating not only themselves, but others, from society.
We live in a world where cyberbullies can throw racial slurs around social media websites and face no consequences. It is a world where it is socially acceptable to wear Halloween costumes that coincide with cultural appropriation. It is a world where people are led to believe that certain people are better than others.
Although white privilege is a well-known term for a very real concept, not much headway has been made in terms of alleviating the underlying issues. The problem comes down to the idea that the oppressed must be the educators. Privileged members of society are often unaware of their privilege out of lack of knowledge, rather than intentional ignorance.
However, the only way to recognize one’s own privilege and work to level the playing field, is by learning about the indifference marginalized members of society face. This education process must happen at either the will of both parties involved, or simply by the privileged individual at their own hand. The common misconception that a person of colour is able to speak on behalf of all people of colour is not only insulting, it ignores subjectivity of the individual.
It is a world where people are led to believe that certain people are better than others.
There are two steps to addressing one’s privilege and working towards equity in society. The first is acknowledging the privilege in your own life. Not only that of skin colour, but across gender, class, ability, age, religion and other factors.
It is also crucial to recognize how these privileges intersect and interact with each other. The overlap that is experienced by individuals marginalized in multiple social groups will be greater than those who only experience inequality on one front. For example, a man of colour will have greater privilege in life than a woman of colour.
Recognizing your own privilege and how that affects your opinions, framework, and thoughts is the initial step in combatting inequality. In her TedTalk on privilege, scholar Peggy McIntosh discusses how privilege is like an invisible backpack that one carries with them at all times. This backpack provides the wearer with everything they would need to help them on their way, such as a compass, map, pencil, extra clothes, and so on. This backpack however, is nowhere to be found in the lives of marginalized individuals. These pre-meditated advantages are simply handed out at random, not based on one’s accomplishments, but on the colour of their skin.
Taking the time to sit down and list what benefits in society you receive based on your privilege, rather than your accomplishments, is a great way to understand the gravity and relevance of subconscious racism.
The second step to addressing white privilege is to use your list of ways in which you are privileged as a toolkit to see the ways in which blatant racism exists in society. The media is almost entirely controlled by white, elitist males, causing distorted representation of marginalized groups and racial “others.”
An advertisement by Sony in 2006, largely seen as racist, depicts a white figure domineeringly grabbing a black figure by the face. (Photo by Loz Pycock)
It is not uncommon to see stereotypes fully enforced in mainstream media, such as, “the angry black woman” or “the lazy Hispanic.” These stereotypes are often used without any regard for truthfulness or how they will affect public perception of the racialized population.
In fact, the constant alienation of people of colour combined with being seen as different from the “norm” causes these individuals to feel as though they are others, which can drastically affect their ability to function in society. By keeping your mind open when watching and participating in media discourse, you will be able to see all the ways in which racism is not only enforced, but somewhat encouraged.
Taking the time to sit down and list what benefits in society you receive based on your privilege, rather than your accomplishments, is a great way to understand the gravity and relevance of subconscious racism.
In order to bring about change, public awareness of racist productions can do a lot of good. The voices of dissent from large groups of people, as opposed to just those of marginalized groups, will make way for positive media that highlights the accomplishments and success of people of colour in television shows and various media sources alike.
Although it may seem like a big request to attempt to banish racism entirely, it is possible. As a whole, society is able to champion certain values and ultimately normalize them. If we are able to normalize equity, the days of racism, sexism, ageism and ableism will be long gone.
We are however, some ways away from this outcome. Although simple in theory, the plan to restrict racism comes down to actively attempting to do just that. By following the two-step plan of identifying one’s white privilege, and then recognizing its prevalence in society, we can begin to see all people as worthy of personhood.
By Alanna Munjal
Please note that opinions expressed are the author’s own. They do not necessarily reflect the views and values of The Blank Page.
