Along with the privileges Peggy McIntosh lists, here are a few more unearned privileges that my racial identity grants me:
1) If I excel in a specific subject in school, I can count on people attributing my success to hard work, and not assume that I was "naturally" good at it because of my race.
2) I don't have to worry about people assuming I got into Tufts because of affirmative action, and have them assume that I am somehow not as worthy (and I am saying this only because I know there are still people out there who think of affirmative action in such an ignorant way)
3) If I am ever on trial in court, I can count on the jury not to judge me based on my race and racial stereotypes.
4) I can read a storybook to a child, and the majority of the pictures will still reflect people who represent my race.
5) I can call myself "an American" without people questioning or asking me about my heritage or where I am "really" from.
6) I can easily find hair products that suit my hair type and style.
7) I can easily find makeup that matches my skin tone
8) I can count on people of my own race to be widely represented in the government
9) I don't have to go to a specific section in Barnes & Nobles (such as African American or Native American literature) to find books that will represent my own racial identity and experience
10) I can find a large variety of representations of my race in the Media, instead of my race being represented by a few, prescribed images and conflations
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These are all very thoughtful, Jennie. I am continually impressed by your ability to be candid and reflective. You aren't intimidated at all by looking inside and seeing what's there. I really admire that about you.
You also contribute a lot to class in terms of your thought provoking questions and compelling insights, but also your cheerful goodwill.
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