"White Privilege" Lesson Draws Nat'l Attention

[Radarma]

 http://thegrio.com/2013/01/17/white-privilege-lesson-in-wisconsin-high-school-draws-national-attention/

As most of you know, I am greatly interested in how we are handling discussions regarding race and class within our schools.  

What do you think of the parent's concerns in this story? And how do you feel about the material and how it is presented?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

National attention has been drawn to a Wisconsin high school’s “American Diversity” course after one parent alleged that students are being taught white people are oppressors of minorities, reports Fox News.

One parent of a Delavan-Darien High School student spoke to Fox News.

“They’re teaching white guilt.  They’re dividing the students,” this parent told said.  ”They’re saying to non-whites, ‘You have been oppressed and you’re still being oppressed.’”

The parent, who requested to remain anonymous, claims she became alarmed by the content on some handouts that her 18-year-old son brought home from school.

A class handout defines “white privilege” as:

A set of advantages that are believed to be enjoyed by white people beyond those commonly experienced by non-white people in the same social, political, and economic spaces (nation, community, workplace, income, etc.)

Students were also instructed to visit the toy section of a local Wal-Mart, where they were to count the number of white dolls versus the number of black dolls.

School district superintendent, Robert Crist told Fox that “a lot of red flags go u in my mind when I look at the materials.  Her concern has merit.”

“Ideally, you would want to present one theory that might be way on the left and another theory that may be way on the right and if you find one in the middle you can present that, too,” he continued. “Now you have a well-rounded discussion in my opinion.”

Crist noted that the course has been suspended, while it is under review.

 

[survivorinohio]

Ok And E Cleve has a pop close to steubenville as well.  You are correct about the demographics there

As of the census^[3] of 2010, there were 17,843 people, 8,286 households, and 4,043 families residing in the city. The population density was 5,774.4 inhabitants per square mile (2,229.5 /km²). There were 12,523 housing units at an average density of 4,052.8 per square mile (1,564.8 /km²). The racial makeup of the city was 4.6% White, 93.2% African American, 0.2% Native American, 0.2% Asian, 0.2% from other races, and 1.5% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.0% of the population.

Quoting Lizard_Lina:

I didn't mean just Ohio I meant anywhere.

But to answer your question, just off the top of my head, east Cleveland for sure.

Quoting survivorinohio:

So show me a city where the pop of AAs exceeds 80% In Ohio would be great but anywhere will do.

Quoting Lizard_Lina:

Because steubenville has an 18% population vs cadiz's 8% the chances are greater. I didn't say she would indefinately. And the point was about supply and demand. She made it seem like she had to drive all the way to akron because the stores only cater to white people. Bet your butt though if you went to a city where the demographics are reversed the merchandise will cater to said demographic.

Quoting survivorinohio:

While I have not lived her life I know that she wasnt talking about yesterday.  I am surprised that there are that many AA people there.  I still have never seen a person of color down there and steubenville is a much smaller town than akron with a much amaller AA population.  What makes you think they would have found a doll there say 20 yrs ago?

The pop of Steubenville is 18,440 Akrons pop is 198,402.  I wouldnt call Stuebenvill a big town.

The AA population in Akron is about 30% today.  The AA pop of Steubenville is 18%

In the past Akron was much larger while Steubenville was smaller.  What was your point about them having to drive to Akron?

Quoting Lizard_Lina:

I don't know when she grew up but currently according to the 2010 census of the little over 3300 people there only a little over 200 are aa. That's not racism that's supply and demand. Also, steubenville is much closer. Like an hour and a half closer.

Quoting survivorinohio:

I live in Akron I was in the Cadiz area over last weekend.  I am under the impression she grew up in  the latter town and that is the town I was referring to

Quoting Lizard_Lina:

Which town

Quoting survivorinohio:

I know exactly where she is and I am not at all surprised that the drive was a necessity.  In all the times I have been in or near her town (the town she grew up in) I have never seen a person of color. Period.   I have been there many many many times and was very near there just last Sunday.

Quoting Lizard_Lina:

Lmfao




Maybe its just because of where I live but we don't have that issue here




And no its not because of my white arrogance, its because we don't have that problem here




And if you know about akron I would love to know where you were driving from that was two hours away and didn't have anything for black children closer than that




And I take nothing for granted. I've had my share of prejudices done against me. Don't think because I'm not black I'm ignorant.

Quoting mommajen32:

It's petty when you don't have a black daugjter and there are few resources (dolls, toys, hair products)...available. The internet has helped so much. When I was young I remember my mom travelling 2 hours to Akron to find black baby dolls for us. Maybe to you it is petty...bit again that is an example of an attitude born in majority privilege. Taking for granted not having to jump thrpugh hoops to get things you need











And when folks speak up and say X needs to change there will be people that discredit that boice immediately to say qhat they SHOULD be worried about bexause of course you know better than we do. Can you see the arrogance in that? That my dear is what the whole lesson is about.

Quoting Lizard_Lina:

You handle it the way its been handled. You rise above it. You fight for change. And when there is change, be proud and excited. You don't turn around and say "oh well wal mart has less black dolls than white ones". How petty is that? That's just as bad as white people freaking about not having a month or a tv chanel. Who cares? Focus on the bigger picture. Do something about it if it bothers you so much. But to sit around and whine "its not the same, white people don't get it." Is stupid. There are plenty of white people that understand inequality. Black people are not alone in this game that race plays. But standing around pointing fingers at various scenarios trying to one up each other on who is more oppressed does nothing. Focus on the positive. Focus on the change.

Quoting mommajen32:

And when the negatove happens in a real way, in real life you recommend doing what exactly? Am I supposed to say, "well atleast we can use the same bathroom"?















There's a time for celebration and a time to handle business that still needs done. We are not there yet and we owe it to our kids to make sure we get there. A lot of people, thousands put their heads in the sand...that's why the problems perpetuated so long.

Quoting Lizard_Lina:

This is the best way to handle it. Focus on the positive. Focus on the forward drive. If you choose to only focus on the negative, division is amplified.

Quoting MomTiara19:

Quoting AdellesMom:

Focusing on where we've come from doesn't erase our history, and it doesn't erase the fact that there's institutional racism, and white privilege. Ignoring a problem isn't right, and teaching current and future generations how to learn from past generations' mistakes is how we learn.

Quoting MomTiara19:

I am uncomforable with this.

I think the focus should be more about how things have changed,and that we all have opportunities,and civil rights.

Focus on where we have come  as Americans and unity.

I totally understand your point.

I just think addressing the situation in this manner only stirs up more racism and negativity than help.Personally as a black woman I feel like focusing more on how far as a nation we have come, and more positive things like our president being black/mixed race is definitely a sign of progress.

We cant erase the past history.....but we can make a better future.

[Lizard_Lina]

I just did, east Cleveland. Even they have a population higher than cadiz and *gasp* 93% aa.

Quoting survivorinohio:

Ok show me a town where 83% are AA and less than 20 white. Good luck.

Quoting Lizard_Lina:

I didn't realize cadiz was a major city now. You cannot compare major cities to towns. It's apples to oranges.

Quoting survivorinohio:

 looked for you and the largest population of African Americans in a city is Memphis Tenn where they are 46% of the population.  Far cry from 80% or more.

[survivorinohio]

I already posted about E cleveland I acknowledge you are correct about the % there but the population is closer to stuebenville not Cadiz.  Cadiz is a tiny town.

Quoting Lizard_Lina:

I just did, east Cleveland. Even they have a population higher than cadiz and *gasp* 93% aa.

Quoting survivorinohio:

Ok show me a town where 83% are AA and less than 20 white. Good luck.

Quoting Lizard_Lina:

I didn't realize cadiz was a major city now. You cannot compare major cities to towns. It's apples to oranges.

Quoting survivorinohio:

 looked for you and the largest population of African Americans in a city is Memphis Tenn where they are 46% of the population.  Far cry from 80% or more.

[Lizard_Lina]

Would you like me to look for the demographics in every tiny town? You asked for any city on Ohio with demographics higher than 80%. I did. If you'd like more, ill find more.

Quoting survivorinohio:

I already posted about E cleveland I acknowledge you are correct about the % there but the population is closer to stuebenville not Cadiz.  Cadiz is a tiny town.

Quoting Lizard_Lina:

I just did, east Cleveland. Even they have a population higher than cadiz and *gasp* 93% aa.

Quoting survivorinohio:

Ok show me a town where 83% are AA and less than 20 white. Good luck.

Quoting Lizard_Lina:

I didn't realize cadiz was a major city now. You cannot compare major cities to towns. It's apples to oranges.

Quoting survivorinohio:

 looked for you and the largest population of African Americans in a city is Memphis Tenn where they are 46% of the population.  Far cry from 80% or more.

[survivorinohio]

So what is your issue?

Obviously in a majority of metro areas African Americans are a minority.  Because of this there are not the same privileges or experiences.  Why is that even arguable?

Because in select location whites may be the minority?  How many places do you really think thats true and how does it override the fact that in the majority of the country its not true at all?.

Quoting Lizard_Lina:

Would you like me to look for the demographics in every tiny town? You asked for any city on Ohio with demographics higher than 80%. I did. If you'd like more, ill find more.

Quoting survivorinohio:

I already posted about E cleveland I acknowledge you are correct about the % there but the population is closer to stuebenville not Cadiz.  Cadiz is a tiny town.

Quoting Lizard_Lina:

I just did, east Cleveland. Even they have a population higher than cadiz and *gasp* 93% aa.

Quoting survivorinohio:

Ok show me a town where 83% are AA and less than 20 white. Good luck.

Quoting Lizard_Lina:

I didn't realize cadiz was a major city now. You cannot compare major cities to towns. It's apples to oranges.

Quoting survivorinohio:

 looked for you and the largest population of African Americans in a city is Memphis Tenn where they are 46% of the population.  Far cry from 80% or more.

[Lizard_Lina]

My issue is that its not because its racist that stores carry varrying amounts of product for different races it is because of the demographics. Even if the majority are still the minority, if that minority is say 30% vs 8% the chances of the store carrying items that cater to that minority are greater in the 30% area vs the 8%. It has nothing to do with white priveledge. My point was in areas where whites are a minority the situation is switched. How many white barbies dolls do you think are sold in east Cleveland? As a resilt how many stores there do you think carry white barbies dolls due to their low demand? That is the point.

Quoting survivorinohio:

So what is your issue?

Obviously in a majority of metro areas African Americans are a minority.  Because of this there are not the same privileges or experiences.  Why is that even arguable?

Because in select location whites may be the minority?  How many places do you really think thats true and how does it override the fact that in the majority of the country its not true at all?.

Quoting Lizard_Lina:

Would you like me to look for the demographics in every tiny town? You asked for any city on Ohio with demographics higher than 80%. I did. If you'd like more, ill find more.

Quoting survivorinohio:

I already posted about E cleveland I acknowledge you are correct about the % there but the population is closer to stuebenville not Cadiz.  Cadiz is a tiny town.

Quoting Lizard_Lina:

I just did, east Cleveland. Even they have a population higher than cadiz and *gasp* 93% aa.

Quoting survivorinohio:

Ok show me a town where 83% are AA and less than 20 white. Good luck.

Quoting Lizard_Lina:

I didn't realize cadiz was a major city now. You cannot compare major cities to towns. It's apples to oranges.

Quoting survivorinohio:

 looked for you and the largest population of African Americans in a city is Memphis Tenn where they are 46% of the population.  Far cry from 80% or more.

[mommajen32]

Quoting Lizard_Lina:

I didn't mean just Ohio I meant anywhere.

But to answer your question, just off the top of my head, east Cleveland for sure.

Quoting survivorinohio:

So show me a city where the pop of AAs exceeds 80% In Ohio would be great but anywhere will do.

Quoting Lizard_Lina:

Because steubenville has an 18% population vs cadiz's 8% the chances are greater. I didn't say she would indefinately. And the point was about supply and demand. She made it seem like she had to drive all the way to akron because the stores only cater to white people. Bet your butt though if you went to a city where the demographics are reversed the merchandise will cater to said demographic.

Quoting survivorinohio:

While I have not lived her life I know that she wasnt talking about yesterday.  I am surprised that there are that many AA people there.  I still have never seen a person of color down there and steubenville is a much smaller town than akron with a much amaller AA population.  What makes you think they would have found a doll there say 20 yrs ago?

The pop of Steubenville is 18,440 Akrons pop is 198,402.  I wouldnt call Stuebenvill a big town.

The AA population in Akron is about 30% today.  The AA pop of Steubenville is 18%

In the past Akron was much larger while Steubenville was smaller.  What was your point about them having to drive to Akron?

Quoting Lizard_Lina:

I don't know when she grew up but currently according to the 2010 census of the little over 3300 people there only a little over 200 are aa. That's not racism that's supply and demand. Also, steubenville is much closer. Like an hour and a half closer.

Quoting survivorinohio:

I live in Akron I was in the Cadiz area over last weekend.  I am under the impression she grew up in  the latter town and that is the town I was referring to

Quoting Lizard_Lina:

Which town

Quoting survivorinohio:

I know exactly where she is and I am not at all surprised that the drive was a necessity.  In all the times I have been in or near her town (the town she grew up in) I have never seen a person of color. Period.   I have been there many many many times and was very near there just last Sunday.

Quoting Lizard_Lina:

Lmfao




Maybe its just because of where I live but we don't have that issue here




And no its not because of my white arrogance, its because we don't have that problem here




And if you know about akron I would love to know where you were driving from that was two hours away and didn't have anything for black children closer than that




And I take nothing for granted. I've had my share of prejudices done against me. Don't think because I'm not black I'm ignorant.

Quoting mommajen32:

It's petty when you don't have a black daugjter and there are few resources (dolls, toys, hair products)...available. The internet has helped so much. When I was young I remember my mom travelling 2 hours to Akron to find black baby dolls for us. Maybe to you it is petty...bit again that is an example of an attitude born in majority privilege. Taking for granted not having to jump thrpugh hoops to get things you need











And when folks speak up and say X needs to change there will be people that discredit that boice immediately to say qhat they SHOULD be worried about bexause of course you know better than we do. Can you see the arrogance in that? That my dear is what the whole lesson is about.

Quoting Lizard_Lina:

You handle it the way its been handled. You rise above it. You fight for change. And when there is change, be proud and excited. You don't turn around and say "oh well wal mart has less black dolls than white ones". How petty is that? That's just as bad as white people freaking about not having a month or a tv chanel. Who cares? Focus on the bigger picture. Do something about it if it bothers you so much. But to sit around and whine "its not the same, white people don't get it." Is stupid. There are plenty of white people that understand inequality. Black people are not alone in this game that race plays. But standing around pointing fingers at various scenarios trying to one up each other on who is more oppressed does nothing. Focus on the positive. Focus on the change.

Quoting mommajen32:

And when the negatove happens in a real way, in real life you recommend doing what exactly? Am I supposed to say, "well atleast we can use the same bathroom"?















There's a time for celebration and a time to handle business that still needs done. We are not there yet and we owe it to our kids to make sure we get there. A lot of people, thousands put their heads in the sand...that's why the problems perpetuated so long.

Quoting Lizard_Lina:

This is the best way to handle it. Focus on the positive. Focus on the forward drive. If you choose to only focus on the negative, division is amplified.

Quoting MomTiara19:

Quoting AdellesMom:

Focusing on where we've come from doesn't erase our history, and it doesn't erase the fact that there's institutional racism, and white privilege. Ignoring a problem isn't right, and teaching current and future generations how to learn from past generations' mistakes is how we learn.

Quoting MomTiara19:

I am uncomforable with this.

I think the focus should be more about how things have changed,and that we all have opportunities,and civil rights.

Focus on where we have come  as Americans and unity.

I totally understand your point.

I just think addressing the situation in this manner only stirs up more racism and negativity than help.Personally as a black woman I feel like focusing more on how far as a nation we have come, and more positive things like our president being black/mixed race is definitely a sign of progress.

We cant erase the past history.....but we can make a better future.

My point wasn't that it is racism...that's not always the drum beat. It's a matter of recognizing what some minority parents have to go through ...whereas the thousands of people in the surrounding area could go 20 minutes to the mall and find a doll for their kids no problem. That's the idea behind privilege. It's not a call to say x or y is racist, sometimes it is. But it's also just a way to think about what you may take for granted. 

Another example, in this area I had a friend that was Muslim, her father is a doctor here. Everything from parents talking to the school about not serving her pork, having no Muslim friends in town, and they had to go an hour and a half to worship. is it racist? No. Is it something that I as a Christian take for granted and can stop to think about? Yes. Now with my children I will make an effort to expose them. When you have an area with few people that are X (Mormon, Muslim, Black, Asian, Hispanic) ...there is plenty of room for negative beliefs to fester and grow. There's no way to test the theory or to make relationships. That's an issue in and of itself. 

But I won't get too far off track. The point is, it's not always a "cry" of racism, just rather an understanding of how things are different for people that are minorities. 

[mommajen32]

Quoting Lizard_Lina:

My issue is that its not because its racist that stores carry varrying amounts of product for different races it is because of the demographics. Even if the majority are still the minority, if that minority is say 30% vs 8% the chances of the store carrying items that cater to that minority are greater in the 30% area vs the 8%. It has nothing to do with white priveledge. My point was in areas where whites are a minority the situation is switched. How many white barbies dolls do you think are sold in east Cleveland? As a resilt how many stores there do you think carry white barbies dolls due to their low demand? That is the point.

Quoting survivorinohio:

So what is your issue?

Obviously in a majority of metro areas African Americans are a minority.  Because of this there are not the same privileges or experiences.  Why is that even arguable?

Because in select location whites may be the minority?  How many places do you really think thats true and how does it override the fact that in the majority of the country its not true at all?.

Quoting Lizard_Lina:

Would you like me to look for the demographics in every tiny town? You asked for any city on Ohio with demographics higher than 80%. I did. If you'd like more, ill find more.

Quoting survivorinohio:

I already posted about E cleveland I acknowledge you are correct about the % there but the population is closer to stuebenville not Cadiz.  Cadiz is a tiny town.

Quoting Lizard_Lina:

I just did, east Cleveland. Even they have a population higher than cadiz and *gasp* 93% aa.

Quoting survivorinohio:

Ok show me a town where 83% are AA and less than 20 white. Good luck.

Quoting Lizard_Lina:

I didn't realize cadiz was a major city now. You cannot compare major cities to towns. It's apples to oranges.

Quoting survivorinohio:

 looked for you and the largest population of African Americans in a city is Memphis Tenn where they are 46% of the population.  Far cry from 80% or more.

So then look at the United States of America ...how many East Cleveland's are there vs. Cadiz, Ohio's? There are entire STATES with less than 5% minority population. So what would it be like to be a minority there, and how would life be different as a member of the minority vs. a member of the majority? When you start asking those types of questions you get the point of the exercise in the OP. And ...in my day they didn't have the dolls at the Steubenville mall...even now, when you go to the mall there will only be 5 total (I counted last night) of different brands between 3 different stores. 

That's reality, and those are the types of things as a minority one faces on the daily that others just don't think about. When I was looking at colleges, I looked at the minority percentage whereas that question may not even register to someone in the majority. I did not want to be part of a 1% on campus (and there are many, many, many private schools with percentages below 3% ...even large state schools have about 10% if located in a major city). It's a different vantage point, be brave enough to delve into it. That's what the exercise highlights. 

[Maevelyn]

I really feel that the reactions right out the gate are why they need a different term that fosters more discussion and less reaction. I suggest, again, "assumptive whiteness." If your a little Asian kid in the toy isle pretty much nothing looks like you. If your a Hispanic mom, the baby diapers are covered in white babies. Basically there is a disproportionate amount of marketing, products and attention give on the assumption that everyone except "others" are white. The best example "Hair care" vs "Ethnic hair care." Yes we need different products but the sign implies that white hair is normal all other hair is not. It's a privilage to have everything reflect your race.

Quoting Radarma:

 

Quoting onethentwins:

I don't think teaching white priviledge teaches guilt, I think it teaches empathy. And anyone who thinks it doesn't exist is blind. Non white kids don't need to be taught about white priviledge, they see it all around them.

 How do they see it "all around them"?

Examples?

[survivorinohio]

I never said it was because of racism.  White privelege exists not because it was decided or instated but because white is the majority. 

Quoting Lizard_Lina:

My issue is that its not because its racist that stores carry varrying amounts of product for different races it is because of the demographics. Even if the majority are still the minority, if that minority is say 30% vs 8% the chances of the store carrying items that cater to that minority are greater in the 30% area vs the 8%. It has nothing to do with white priveledge. My point was in areas where whites are a minority the situation is switched. How many white barbies dolls do you think are sold in east Cleveland? As a resilt how many stores there do you think carry white barbies dolls due to their low demand? That is the point.

Quoting survivorinohio:

So what is your issue?

Obviously in a majority of metro areas African Americans are a minority.  Because of this there are not the same privileges or experiences.  Why is that even arguable?

Because in select location whites may be the minority?  How many places do you really think thats true and how does it override the fact that in the majority of the country its not true at all?.

Quoting Lizard_Lina:

Would you like me to look for the demographics in every tiny town? You asked for any city on Ohio with demographics higher than 80%. I did. If you'd like more, ill find more.

Quoting survivorinohio:

I already posted about E cleveland I acknowledge you are correct about the % there but the population is closer to stuebenville not Cadiz.  Cadiz is a tiny town.

Quoting Lizard_Lina:

I just did, east Cleveland. Even they have a population higher than cadiz and *gasp* 93% aa.

Quoting survivorinohio:

Ok show me a town where 83% are AA and less than 20 white. Good luck.

Quoting Lizard_Lina:

I didn't realize cadiz was a major city now. You cannot compare major cities to towns. It's apples to oranges.

Quoting survivorinohio:

 looked for you and the largest population of African Americans in a city is Memphis Tenn where they are 46% of the population.  Far cry from 80% or more.