Privileges

Maureen Mai

ASA 2

“White Privilege and Male Privilege”

            In Peggy’s McIntosh’s article “White Privilege and Male Privilege” she talks about how white men deny that they have certain privileges over other genders and races. Speaking from personal experience as a white female, McIntosh compiles a list of the daily effects of her white privilege; privileges such as special circumstances and conditions that are given to her because of her birth, citizenship and “Law-abiding ‘normal’ person of goodwill” (McIntosh). This list show how stereotypes and prejudice against gender and race affects the way we live. Although I never gave it much thought before this list made me think about how different my life as an Asian is compared to the life of a Caucasian. I could discuss many things on this list but for now I wanted to focus on privilege number 6.

“6. I can turn on the television or open to the front page of the paper and see people of my race widely and positively represented.”

I grew up watching television where almost all characters were white. Occasionally there would be one or two colored characters. However, it was rare for any colored character to be the protagonist. As for Asian characters, we are often portrayed as super smart and nerdy, pale and squinty-eyed. Even today media fails to represent Asian Americans positively. In many cases our personalities and culture is heavily stereotyped or fabricated. For example, in the movie “Karate Kid” Asians were portrayed as people obsessed with their “honor”, which is not the case at all. “Avatar: The Last Air Bender” is heavily influenced by Asian culture, however casting created a good vs. evil between whites and Indians. In “21 and Over”, a recent movie is laced with racist stereotyping.

It’s okay to acknowledge certain traits within our culture and race, however what draws the line between comedy and racisms, especially with in the media?