Research Topic: White Privilege 1 Unit II: Research Topic Marcus Pettus Student # 258717 Columbia Southern University Research Topic: White Privilege...

Unit II: Research Topic

Marcus Pettus

Student # 258717

Columbia Southern University

White Privilege:

I will be writing about the research I have conducted concerning white privilege. Not only does this subject pertain to a specific race and even ethnicity, but also how it has affected society as a whole. Caucasians are the race in which society associates the term, white people. White privilege is the reference in which those who possess white or light colored skin have better treatment then those with dark skin, whether that it be black, brown or yellow skin.

It was not until researching this topic that I myself became aware that certain races, African Americans to be specific, uses different everyday products than I do; things like shampoo, conditioner, soap, lotion and even body oils. I have never actually noticed that most, if not all, hotels, spas, resorts, and other vacation and extended stay places only offer one type of these complimentary toiletries. Now, looking back, the toiletries offered complimentary by these public locations are not something that is utilized by most African Americans as these specific products are better suited for white people. Although this may be viewed as trivial, as these products are all complimentary, I can see how this can be viewed negatively by those who are of a different race or even ethnic culture.

In a peer reviewed article, The Stigma of White Privilege, it discusses how “Whites” are not seen as inferior or sub-human, but rather associated with privilege, education and wealth. This is also viewed as an unearned privilege. Despite the many references to white privilege being a positive in the eyes of white people, it also depicts many different instances that cast white privilege in a negative light. For instance, some of these negative characteristics are exploitation, colonization and imperialism, and general dominance over non-White people, (Bonnett 2000, p. 128).

I hope to learn more about White privilege and why this is still such a big issue in today’s society where we are now a nation of equals. I am also now aware, through some of my brief research, that there are also negative characteristics when comes to the topic of White privilege. I realize now that I have been living a life of blindness when it comes to White privilege.

Resources:

Bonnett, A. (2000) White Identities: Historical and International Perspectives, Harlow, Prentice Hall.