You might’ve noticed that people seem to glide through life with fewer bumps on the way than other people, and it’s not just because of luck. Some people have white privilege, which gives them a pass on things that people of other races can only dream of. Today, we’re looking at 18 examples of white privilege that are right under our noses but usually go unnoticed. Remember, we’re not here to blame or make anyone feel guilty.
Job Application Callbacks
The truth is, John may get a call back for a job interview more often than Jamal, even if they have similar resumes. Studies show that names that sound typically white are more likely to get approval from hiring managers, meaning that white people often get the first shot at jobs. They’re set up for better careers right off the bat.
Media Representation
When you turn on the TV, who do you see? Most of the time, it’s a lot of white faces playing the heroes in movies or people in commercials. White people get a lot of screen time, and while this might seem like nothing, it actually affects our ideas of who belongs where and who’s meant to do what.
Access to Education
If you live in a mostly white neighborhood, the local schools usually have more resources and better facilities than people in black neighborhoods. But this goes beyond just allowing kids to play soccer or learn the violin, as these opportunities can set kids up for a bright future. Sadly, they’re more often available to white kids.
Neighborhood Safety
Speaking of neighborhoods, white people often live in areas with less crime and better services. This privilege means they experience better living conditions and higher property values, keeping the benefits cycle going. Unfortunately, people living in these neighborhoods can often forget that this isn’t the reality for everyone.
Historical Understanding
Much of what we learned in history classes focused on white figures and events, which can make others feel like their histories aren’t as important. That’s not the case at all. Giving everyone a nod helps us all genuinely understand the full story, which is better for everybody’s view of the world.
Assumptions of Innocence
White people often benefit from the doubt in legal situations, whether that’s a traffic stop or a court case. As you might expect, being presumed innocent more often is a big advantage that can greatly impact a person’s life. They usually face less severe legal outcomes, and the community sees them more favorably.
Police Interactions
Even before they get to court, white people are less likely to be stopped by the cops. Fewer stops mean fewer chances for things to go wrong and less stress about something as simple as driving to the store. Because of this, white people also tend to have a more trusting relationship with law enforcement, affecting the overall sense of trust in the community.
Financial Lending
Trying to get a loan can be nerve-wracking, but if you’re white, the odds of getting that loan are higher. Better yet, you may get it at better rates, making it easier to buy a home or start a business. This can create a snowball effect that sets white people up for long-term financial stability and more economic freedom that lasts for generations.
Corporate Leadership
Most corporate leaders tend to be white people, and this visibility really matters. It sets expectations about who belongs in leadership roles, which can change what people aspire to and their opportunities. When young people see leaders who look like them, they’re more likely to believe they belong in those roles, too.
Freedom in Dress
Everyone makes assumptions about other people, but with clothes, white people tend to receive less of them. Their choice of clothing doesn’t lead to them being called “unprofessional” or “threatening,” and this freedom goes beyond clothes. Many white people can express themselves without risking their jobs or social standing, which is a luxury not everybody gets.
Cultural Dominance
The way everyone’s expected to talk or even do their hair at work often comes from white cultural norms. Setting a standard that fits one culture can make people with different backgrounds feel like outsiders in their own workplaces or schools. It tells other people that they need to conform to fit in, and that’s pretty exhausting.
Ease of Travel
Traveling can be stressful for everyone, but being white can actually make it smoother. White people tend to experience less suspicion at the airport or border, which means quicker lines and fewer hassles. It’s a sense of freedom that everyone should get, but they don’t, thanks to racial profiling.
Adoption Processes
White couples often find fewer roadblocks when trying to adopt because agencies sometimes see them as more “desirable,” which speeds up the process and gives them more options. As such, their dreams of making a family are likely to happen quickly. And when you factor in the stereotypes of what a “suitable” family looks like, it’s way more difficult for parents of color.
Health Care Access
When white patients go to the doctor, they’re more likely to be taken seriously and get better care. Eventually, this can lead to better health outcomes, and that’s just as important as you might think. It can distinguish between catching a disease early or not, directly affecting people’s long-term health and well-being.
Social Mobility
Everybody knows just how important networking is; white people often have better access to networks. These connections can help them climb the ladder of success, including getting into college or landing a job. Unfortunately, many people of color may not even know these connections exist, so they cannot get there.
Default Assumptions
In many peoples’ eyes, the “typical” American is white, which influences everything, including media representation and policy making. Unfortunately, this means sidelining the needs and identities of non-white Americans. Policies and public perceptions all change to fit this view of “normal” Americans.
Benefit of the Doubt
In both social and professional settings, white people often get the benefit of the doubt, so they’ll deal with fewer obstacles when it’s time to prove themselves. It doesn’t matter if they’re pitching an idea at work or settling a dispute because it’s a lot easier for white people. After all, the path to success is built on being given a chance to shine.
Historical Land Ownership
Thanks to past policies, white families have been able to own land and pass down wealth through generations more than families of color. Owning property is a big step in building wealth, and this advantage has only compounded over time. It’s given white people financial security and influence that many people of color just don’t get.
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