Why do people believe "white privilege" is a thing?

@westwiiler Yes, but it is different when you’re not in charge and racist.

@bijouxbroussard how? Racist is racist. African Americans in 2018 have held every position that a white person has held. Maybe not as many, and maybe it took longer for them to get it.

I really don't see what being in charge has to do with anything.

@westwiiler I've come across that too and racism is racism regardless of whether held by a majority or minority member. With minorities, though, it feels somewhat more justified based on historic treatment but neither form of racism is acceptable.

@fazer1k I'll give you that. I understand where it comes from....I won't deny that the AA community doesn't have reason to distrust white people....I just think that to continue with white privilege and that white people have been in charge is a slap in the face to all the African-Americans who busted their asses to achieve what they did.

It recognizes all the achievements that one can have and still have to deal with being followed around and stopped in stores, accused of having stolen one's own car or trying to break into one's own house. We trade anecdotes like this all the time, and I don't expect you to understand.

I hate questions like because it brings out the divide. You don't really want to know what people think based upon their experiences.

@westwiiler The world has come a long way, for sure, and people from all walks of life have proved their ability to be successful. Whether that is 'in spite of' discrimination faced, or due to a genuinely more tolerant and less prejudiced society, I'm not sure but my feeling is that both play a part.

@bijouxbroussard you're right. That is the ONE white privilege that is real. The rest is bigotry and fear, I suppose. I don't know what that is like. I mean, I've been with POC and followed because of looking like a stoner, but not because of my color. I was pissed then, and I would defend my friends now.


Thanks for the perspective, that was probably the first time I've had it put to me like that.