FYS White Privilege

1. Anna Woomer
February 22, 2016
FYS
White Privilege
In our modern society, discrimination and prejudicial views have switched from
segregation to a nation that focuses on white privilege. White Privilege can be described as
societal advantages that benefit white Americans only. Over 40 years ago, white people were
granted certain privileges that African Americans were not under the Jim Crow Laws that
enforced racial segregation. During this time, African Americans had to use black only sections
of buses, schools, bathrooms and restaurants. With the passing of the Civil Rights Act in 1964,
African Americans were then given the same rights as all individuals in the United States.
However, some people in America feel those “white only” privileges did not disappear along
with segregation. I personally do not find this to be true from my own life experience. The
New American describes privilege as living in a comfortable home in a safe neighborhood with
good safe schools. (Larabell). These are all certainly privileged things in life, but not necessarily
confined to only white people. What most consider “White Privilege” could more accurately be
described as middle class advantages. (Larabell).
“White Privilege” to me is a racist remark and thought process. To single out a certain
race for how better off they have it than other races is simply wrong, politically incorrect and
offensive. It is just as racist saying “white privilege” as it is to assume that African American’s
live in poverty and live harder lives than other races strictly because their skin is black. Every
person is given the gift of life, and what you choose to make of that life is up to you. A person
cannot blame others for the failures and successes of their life. It is up to every individual to
work hard to makes changes if they are not happy. Personally, my life has not been a privileged

2. one strictly because of the color of my white skin. I grew up in a small poverty-filled town, was
raised by a single mother who worked extremely hard to support our family, lived at my
grandparents because we could not afford our own home and busted my butt in school to get
scholarships to go to college. My mother instilled in me the importance of working hard to
achieve my goals and to take person responsibility for my own life. In high school, I worked
very hard to get good grades and was fortunate enough to receive academic scholarships that are
currently paying my way through college. As a white American, there are several things I am
excluded from due to the color of my skin. For example, I am not eligible for tons of
scholarships that are only minority-based. There are certainly no “white only” scholarships,
because that would be deemed racist. (Larabell).
In the words of Bill O’Reilly, “America is now a place where if you work hard, get
educated and are an honest person, you can succeed.” (Graef). I completely agree with that
quote. America is a nation that does not judge upon race, religion, or sexual preference. It is
deemed the land of liberty for the civil liberties every American is granted. We all have the
freedom to do what we want, believe in what we want and love who we want. The citizens of
this country should stop focusing on racial divides and start respecting one another.

3. Bibliography
GRAEF, AILEEN. "Bill O'reilly, Jon Stewart Have Showdown Over 'White Privilege'."
UPI Top News (2014): Points of View Reference Center. Web. 17 Feb. 2016
LARABELL, JOHN T. "Have You Checked Your White Privilege Lately?." New
American (08856540) 31.19 (2015): 44. Points of View Reference Center. Web. 20 Feb. 2016.