White skin privilege is a transparent preference for whiteness that saturates our society. White privilege provides white people with "perks" that are not earned and that people of color do not enjoy. White privilege allows white people to be immune to many challenges and it shapes the world in which we live and how we navigate and interact with one another and with the world (Crandall, Dostie & Douglass Books, Inc., 2000).
On the Privilege Point Questionnaire, I scored a 12 which means that "In U.S. society many obstacles will be put in place that will interfere with you getting the things required to have what the society considers a good life, simply because of your race (Carol Cheney, Jeannie LaFrance and Terrie Quinteros, 2006)." I believe this is true because white privilege exists and because I am black, I am instantly pre-judged in certain situations. Though this may create certain struggles, I believe that I am capable over overcoming them.
Reading "On Racism and White Privilege" I gained insight on what white privilege truly is. One example of white privilege that I never realized is that when a white person needs a band-aid, they get one that is flesh-colored and generally matches their skin tone. Another "perk" that is gained from white privilege is that a white person's skin color does not work against them in terms of how people perceive their financial responsibility, style of dress, public speaking skills, or job performance (Crandall, Dostie & Douglass Books, Inc., 2000).
On the other hand, white privilege can be used to empower those who are denied of the privileges. For example, in the video we watched in class about the woman who was facing racial discrimination in the grocery store, her white sister-in-law used her white privilege to help her sister. I believe that white privilege can be used in positive ways like this one.
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