Who Benefits In Society?
I recently had the opportunity to watch Tim Wise discuss his book "White Like Me" in a documentary. The book delves into the issue of racism through the lens of whiteness and white privilege in the United States. Going into it, I must admit that I was skeptical. After all, how can a white person truly understand and educate others about racism when they haven't personally experienced it? Perhaps my perspective is biased because I am Mexican and have witnessed racism firsthand.
However, after watching the documentary, I found myself
questioning not the existence of racism, but rather my own perceptions of it in
the United States. While I may never fully grasp the pain and enduring impact
of historical racism on African Americans, I now see how privilege and the
tendency to ignore such a deeply rooted problem can be detrimental to
minorities in the long run.
Imagine dedicating your life to a country that won’t
even reward you. The GI Bill, originally created to support World War II
veterans, was denied to millions of black Americans. These were Americans who
had served their country. Yet, it seems that being white was the key to
accessing this privilege.
Let me be clear, I'm not suggesting that being white
makes someone automatically a bad person. No one chooses the color of their
skin or their inherent qualities. However, some people, particularly in older
generations, deny that being white comes with privileges. I've heard responses
like, "How can I be privileged if I don't have XYZ" or "I know
*insert minority group* individuals who are more successful than me." But
this perspective misses the point. Privilege isn't solely about financial
wealth or the success of a few individuals; it runs deeper and requires careful
reflection.
I'd also like to mention a point that came up during a
recent lecture I was in. Someone remarked, "Oak Cliff isn't really that
bad anymore." I've spent a chunk of my life in the Oak Cliff area, and
while I agree that it has improved, I believe gentrification has played a
significant role in this change, particularly in the Bishop Arts District. More
white residents have moved into the area, and the old houses have been replaced
with modern ones. But who resides in these new homes? Many of the newcomers are
white. This transition is blinding to the struggles faced by minorities. As I
see new arrivals, I also witness the displacement of black and Latino
residents. While ribbon-cutting ceremonies celebrate new businesses, long-time
Oak Cliff residents still witness the distressing presence of crime scene tape
in their communities.
It's crucial to acknowledge that racism is far from
gone. While we've made strides toward racial equality, we have not yet reached
our destination. Wage disparities, gentrification, and incarceration rates are
just a few examples of issues that disproportionately affect minorities.
While these topics can be uncomfortable, they are essential for understanding and making progress in our society. Recognizing and addressing these issues is a collective responsibility.
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