Exam 6: Beyond the Mythical Norm: Considering Race, Class, and Gender

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Feminist scholar Peggy McIntosh describes the notion of white privilege as an "invisible package of unearned assets" because she believes that white people often benefit from societal advantages that they may not even be aware of. These advantages, such as being able to move through the world without fear of discrimination or being given the benefit of the doubt in various situations, are often taken for granted by those who possess them. McIntosh uses the term "invisible" to highlight the fact that these privileges are often not consciously recognized by those who benefit from them, and "unearned assets" to emphasize that these advantages are not the result of individual merit or effort, but rather a product of systemic inequality. By framing white privilege in this way, McIntosh aims to draw attention to the ways in which systemic racism operates and to encourage white people to critically examine their own advantages and work towards dismantling the systems that perpetuate them.