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Andy Grogan
2/21/16
FYS
White Privilege
When I was a child all the way up until adulthood, I was blessed with many
opportunities. I grew up in an incredible home, went to a great school, and lived in a great
neighborhood. Thanks to all of these circumstances, I grew up as a happy and well taken care of
child. Unfortunately, there are far too many children that grow up without these privileges.
Times have changed in the last 60 years. 60 years ago the white man had every advantage
they could imagine. Being white entitled us to the best seating, access to any store, and a fair
chance when talking to police. The black community didn’t have it nearly as good. Life as an
African American meant constant harassment, social injustices, and flat out inhuman treatment.
Things have changed drastically in the last 60 years, but many things still remain. Racism still
runs rampant throughout America with no end in sight. What makes skin color the deciding
factor in treatment? That is the question I will never understand.
Why does being white entitle us to so much? I may never understand this question and I
feel like it was because of the way I was raised. I was taught to respect people of a colors and
nationalities. I never once thought of a black man as my lesser. I believe all people have things
that go wrong in their life. I can’t imagine that anyone goes through life without having some
difficulties. The only difference is that if you don’t come from a good home or good
surroundings, the struggle can be so much worse. Growing up on welfare, constantly wondering
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if you’ll get to eat, being afraid to walk out of your own home; these are the things that make bad
people, not skin color.
Being white means a few things. Being white means not getting looked at differently
when you walk into a gas station. Being white means that getting pulled over doesn’t always
mean a ticket. Being white means getting a second chance when others don’t. How does that
makes any sense? How can “the Land of Opportunity” hold back so many of the people who live
in it? It’s pathetic really. I’ve always wondered it would take for things to change. A new
president? Some unforetold event that brings us together as people? We all know that none of
these things will ever change anything, but two things will, time and education.
Looking back to what I said earlier about growing up with intelligent parents, I realize
that is the answer. If our generation and our children’s generation can teach the future about
racial equality, then maybe we do have a chance at equal future. I know that when I have
children, they will be taught about respect and showing compassion and dignity for others. It
won’t end there though. It is our job as aware citizens to spread the word of racial equality to
others. Maybe if we give them the ability to learn, then they too can teach their children the right
way.
So, I suppose that for the time being, racism and social injustices will remain as part of
society. It’s unfortunate that it has to be this way, but maybe we can all learn from the
generations before us that it is not ok to treat people based on skin color. People should be
treated differently based on the person they are, the things that they can actually change about
themselves. I’m proud to say that I’m part of the generation that will change the future. I hope
that many more kids my age decide to think like me. If they do, then maybe one day the world
will be a better place.
