Exam 14: Dan Lowe and Spencer Case, “Privilege”

In his reply, Lowe argues that Case's argument is based on what?

In his essay, Dan Lowe explains Arlie Russell Hochschild's underlying metaphor behind "the deep story." In your essay, briefly explain this metaphor, focusing on the relationship between the "people in line" and "the top of the hill." What do you make of this metaphor? How do you think we ought to respond to framing privilege in his way?

In his essay, Case argues that the biggest issue with the academic literature that builds on Peggy McIntosh's ideas is that what is ambiguous?

Through Dan Lowe's essay and Spencer Case's reply, it becomes clear that the authors have very different understandings of the moral value of the assertion "check your privilege." In your essay, explain their disagreement, drawing from both of their works. Then, explain the extent to which you worry about this particular disagreement. In other words, is Lowe's point worth making even if Case's concern is well-founded? Or is Case's concern strong enough to override the reasons that Lowe gives for the importance of privilege checking?

In his reply, Case levels two main challenges against Lowe's account of privilege. Which of the following is one of those challenges?

In his essay, Lowe offers a number of suggestions on how people should respond to privilege if they have it. Which of the following is one of his suggestions?

In his essay, Lowe identifies a number of patterns that help us to understand how privilege works. Which of the following is NOT one of those patterns?

In his essay, Lowe affirms, "We can simply choose not to have privilege; it is an individual's choice to have privilege, so one can just choose to jettison it."

In his essay, Case suggests a couple of alternative hypotheses that aim to explain the existence of many important racial disparities. Which of the following is one of those alternatives to the view that racial disparities are primarily the products of racism?

In his essay, Spencer Case discusses the importance of his critique in the discussion of white privilege. In this context, he writes, Slogans like "love trumps hate" perpetuate the idea that the difference between good and bad political ideas is amounts to the difference between good and bad motives. What this overlooks is that crusades against genuine evils, fired by moral zeal, often produce terrible consequences. In your essay, capture the concern that Case is expressing here. Then, reflect: What role, if any, does moral zeal have to play in political or social movements? Do you share Case's concern that movements "fired by moral zeal" routinely yield "terrible consequences?" Be sure to include a real example, perhaps tying your answer to the wider privilege debate.

In his essay, Case argues that we are unlikely to "find compelling evidence for the widespread existence of white privilege, in the strong sense," in what source?

In his essay, Lowe offers a series of descriptions that help to explain privilege. Which of the following is NOT an aspect of having privilege, as he describes it?

Identify the author who concludes his reply with the following cautionary message: "Beware of tunnel vision about evil. Future tyranny may not resemble any tyranny of the past."