Quote Originally Posted by Alan View Post
Is white privilege universal? Does it exist in Canada, England or France?
Also, is the privilege implied really based upon skin color or might it simply be a reaction to local norms? I ask because I have a Caucasian niece who is a crackhead who affects ghetto speech patterns. Based upon your criteria, does she maintain a level of privilege simply by being white? I don't think so.
On the flip side, I work with a black Canadian. I can't refer to him as an African American because he is not American. According to your criteria, he walks, talks and presents himself as a typical Canadian adult and I would imagine he benefits from white privilege based upon your description. Would you agree?
Speaking of that, another co-worker is white and from South Africa. She recently became an American citizen and refers to herself as an African American, which for some reason causes some of our more liberal co-workers no end of distress. This leads me to believe you guys stack the rules of race to benefit your twisted version of what you think racial division should be. I choose to disregard such nonsense so I guess you'd call me a white privilege denier.
It always falls apart when one tries to apply a group demographic to every individual. I suppose the concept of "responsible gun owner" should be chucked as something ludicrous since it doesn't always apply? "You guys" (who is "you guys"?) is the same thing as "white privilege" - they are a convenient way to tag a trait on anyone you decide to place in a group.

It's interesting you brought up someone from South Africa - I remember when her (depending on her age) "white privilege" was codified in law.

Of course if one paints it all in absolutes (from either side) it's going to sound stupid. But I expect my chances of having to interact with someone who would behave toward me in negatively racist fashion are much lower than someone of a different color or race. You can label that whatever you like but I think it's the truth.