Anger, sadness, outrage, and confusion—these are just a few of the emotions I grapple with in response to the recent, tragic losses of Black lives at the hands of law enforcement.
As a Hispanic woman in my thirties, I grew up in a community marked by hardship. My childhood home was no stranger to the challenges of drugs, alcohol, and domestic violence. Although my neighborhood was not as extreme as some, it was still plagued by violence, gang activity, and other societal issues.
I attended a high school that struggled academically, populated predominantly by Black and Hispanic students, many of whom came from low-income backgrounds like my own. I understand the realities of food stamps, welfare, and Medicaid, as well as the impact of having family members involved in the criminal justice system. My experiences allow me to empathize with many who face systemic disadvantages.
Today, I hold a master’s degree, am married to a white man, and am raising two white daughters. We live a comfortable suburban life, complete with a home and two cars.
I recall a moment from a decade ago while shopping at a local mall. The security guard, a well-dressed Black man, seemed to watch me closely, likely noting my modest appearance. I found it ironic that he felt the need to monitor me, yet I didn’t recognize then how deeply ingrained societal biases can shape perceptions. I recount this story not to portray myself as a victim, but to illustrate how pervasive stereotypes influence our thoughts and actions.
When I first encountered the term “white privilege,” I was taken aback. I believed that nothing had been handed to me; I had worked hard for my achievements. I had a narrow view, thinking it was merely an excuse used by those who felt oppressed. How naive I was.
My understanding of white privilege shifted dramatically about nine months ago. I had an open conversation with a respected Black friend, asking questions that aimed to deepen my understanding of their lived experiences. The transformation began when I listened genuinely, rather than defending my views.
What I came to realize is that white privilege relates to the peace of mind I experience in my daily life, free from the fear of violence or discrimination due to my skin color. It’s not about my personal achievements or circumstances; it’s a broader societal issue that often goes unacknowledged.
A scene from the film Straight Outta Compton encapsulated this for me: a group of young Black men were confronted by police and forced to lie on the ground, simply because of their race. In contrast, I never consider that happening to me. That’s white privilege.
When I get pulled over, I don’t worry about my life being endangered. When I shop, I am not followed or suspected of theft. People do not lock their doors when I walk by. These are everyday realities that many Black individuals face, fearing for their safety and dignity.
I have read countless accounts of Black Americans expressing their fear and frustration. While the investigations into recent police shootings are ongoing, I believe that the victims would likely still be alive if they were white.
I have also been someone who said “all lives matter,” not fully grasping the significance of the phrase “Black lives matter.” The reality is that white individuals in America do not have to fight for equality or fear for their lives because of their race. The question of whether white lives matter has never been in doubt—this is the essence of white privilege.
This conversation is not about opposing law enforcement; it is about recognizing the inherent value of all lives, especially those of marginalized communities. Black Americans are in pain and deserve to be heard and understood. We must listen, ask questions, and strive for empathy rather than defensiveness.
Change starts with each of us, and we must collectively feel the hurt and share the outrage.
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In summary, understanding white privilege has illuminated the importance of advocating for Black lives. As we nurture empathy and strive for justice, we can contribute to meaningful change in our society.