BoringSupreez wrote:My entire problem with the phrase "white privilege" and "male privilege" is that it attempts to create "awareness" by putting white males in a negative light. That is completely unnecessary.
I don't see how explaining that maleness and whiteness are both historically and contemporarily privileged social positions (in most contexts) "puts white males in a negative light". It just names a truth.
Being born a straight white male is akin to winning the demographic lottery. If the term calls awareness to that fact and thus provokes a discomfort amongst white males that might challenge them to use their privilege to create a more equitable society going forward, I don't see that as a bad thing. I don't feel guilty for being a white male, but as someone who values fairness and equality regardless of difference I would feel guilty if I didn't use my resources to try and facilitate that future. Educating people about their privelege is an important step in that process.