Racism Feeds on Embedded Privilege

Newsday
V. Elaine Gross
July 19, 2002

This Newsday article questions assumptions about racism in the United States. Reporter V. Elaine Gross interviewed Peggy McIntosh who stated:

"She had been taught that racism put others at a disadvantage, 'but had been taught not to see one of its corollary aspects, white privilege, which puts me at an advantage.' McIntosh goes on to say, "I have come to see white privilege as an invisible package of unearned assets that I can count on cashing in each day, but about which I was 'meant' to remain oblivious.' Her list of 26 unearned assets includes the ability to rent or purchase housing in any area that she can afford, going shopping without fear of being followed by employees of the store, and purchasing items with cash or credit, knowing that her skin color will not work against the appearance of financial reliability."

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