That Others May Live

Abstract

In this essay, I explore the concept of White privilege and some specific ways that I, as a White man in America, have benefited my entire life from this entitlement that I inherited solely because of my skin color. I also define and briefly describe dominant White culture and White supremacy.

When I first heard about White privilege, I felt confusion and defensiveness. So, I investigated the concept and my relationship to it. I hope my reflections will clarify what it is, motivate other White people to look for its presence in their lives, and cause us to consider how all of us – especially sisters and brothers of color – suffer harm from injustices spawned by the systems and culture that perpetuate White privilege.