Analysis of White Privilege by Tim Wise - Essay Example

White Privilege The issue of racism is so wide spread and vast in our community today but most people have just suppressed it as though it is nothing. Whether legal or not, whether documented or not, those who represent the white race do not intent to enjoy some privileges but the accrued benefits come following the fate of race. The privileges have become part and parcel of rooted everyday practices injustices established long before. Tim Wise, however, stands out boldly and speaks against racism (Harris, 5).

In his work, he refers to it as white privilege. He points out how whites have been more favored than blacks in the society today. They have easier access to facilities as compared to coloreds. The non-whites, on the other hand, are always prejudiced, discriminated upon under all odds. As documented, being of a white race has a range of privileges. It is noted that being a white gives one the freedom to intermingle freely with all races and in particular mingling with the fellow whites without being discriminated (Harris 6).

The whites enjoy the full freedom of association, and they have the privilege of purchasing houses or renting houses in all areas so long as they can afford but still be sure of not being discriminated upon by the neighbors. They are always informed that they are of the superior race and often they are proud of their culture, color and they constitute the national heritage. Wise notes that racism originates from centuries of slavery and indigenous slaughter perpetuated by whites (Harris 7). He states that to deal with white privilege, therefore, the whites themselves must take a personal responsibility and join with the leadership of color to undo all forms of racism.

My reaction towards his views is that indeed racial discrimination can only be abolished when both races, the whites and the blacks, join forces and unite as one. I also support the fact that the problem of denial should also be dealt with because, just like Wise states, this is racism itself. Instead, we must learn to listen (especially for whites) and feel the pain of the blacks. However, my other reaction to this point is that listening and feeling the pain of blacks is just not enough. Total eradication of the vice of racism requires that every individual takes action and always be concerned of another person’s feelings.

Every person should know that they owe a duty of care to the person next to them irrespective of whether he or she is a black or a white. This way no person would give privileges to the whites since all people will be treated the same. Indeed what Wise talks about helps us understand white privilege and race relations. People are able to understand the difference that the society has encompassed among the people. Through his talk about how the whites are able to access some resources while blacks do not access such resources, clearly we are able to understand how the society has wholly embraced unequal treatment of people.

The appropriateness of his views in the previous discussion about race is that it gives us a way out of the matter of racial discrimination. The part played by Tim Wise’s talk is mainly manifested where we see that, in both cases, whites are treated in a better way than blacks and that in both cases, and whites are better placed in the socio-economic environment as compared to blacks. The methods outlined by Wise in conjunction with those of Peggy McIntosh together when suitably embraced by citizens, the subject of white privileges can be tackled.

Both articles provide unity and togetherness as a crucial means by which racism can be abolished in the society. To conclude, I would urge both whites and blacks to take a step of embracing Tim Wise’s provisions. This is because, just as stated by Wise, racism may appear to affect the blacks alone but in reality, it has negative effects to both races. One thing whites should take note of is that though they may not suffer the consequences like blacks will, they will still not develop successfully with racism in place.

Work CitedHarris, Lynn. Tim Wise’s the Pathology of White Privilege. 2009. Web. < http://Video.google.com/Videoplay>