FILM AVAILABLE HERE: www.world-trust.org
In this story from Cracking the Codes: The System of Racial Inequity, a film from World Trust, author and educator Dr. Joy DeGruy shares how her sister-in-law uses her white privilege to stand up to systemic inequity.
Some comments have asked for more info on the concept of "privilege" -- often called the flipside of racism. Here it is:
"Privilege exists when one group has something of value that is denied to others simply because of the groups they belong to, rather than because of anything they've done or failed to do. Access to privilege doesn't determine one's outcomes, but it is definitely an asset that makes it more likely that whatever talent, ability, and aspirations a person with privilege has will result in something positive for them." ~Peggy McIntosh
Examples of Privilege: Being able to...
- assume that most of the people you or your children study in history classes and textbooks will be of the same race, gender, or sexual orientation as you are
- assume that your failures will not be attributed to your race, or your gender
- assume that if you work hard and follow the rules, you will get what you deserve
- succeed without other people being surprised; and without being held to a higher standard
- go out in public without fear of being harassed or constantly worried about physical safety
- not have to think about your race, or your gender, or your sexual orientation, or disabilities, on a daily basis...
For more information on this film project, go to www.world-trust.org
This documentary is designed for dialogue and comes with a downloadable conversation guide.