Privilege seems to be such a hot topic these days, to the point where the term is practically cliche'. None-the-less, I would like to look deeper into the privilege of those of us who are brown and black but lighter shades of each race. What privileges do we have and how, in the midst of exposing white privilege, do we use our privilege to the advantage of all of those without?
Light skinned, or white? I am very light skinned, which is considered very desirable among Asians. A dark skin either means a person is like an ag. worker, or it is otherwise taken as not classy. In an equal competition for a job, I'd get it over a dark skinned person, in Asia.
Light Skinned, and your response is exactly the type of engagement I would like to have on the topic. Does your lighter skin have any affect where you are currently? If you have noticed this difference, have you done anything to "even the playing field", so to speak?
Not really, this is the USA. I dont know what i might possibly do to even the playing field. And honestly, for myself, I dont want a level field. I want to win.
You want to win, knowing that the game was rigged in your favor? Knowing that people who have the same history as you were given unfair chance to simply survive and do better because of the amount of melanin in their skin?
I've noticed my privilege allows me little perks. For example, if I go to a bookstore or newsstand, and there are no black people around, they usually just wave off my purchases and allow me to take my items for free. Same thing for coffee places like Starbucks (although not for coffee at a gas station or convenience store). For the bus or subway, same thing. Usually the only time I have to pay for those items is if a black person is working the register. They actually expect me to pay for the items I've picked up! I have to remember to check my privilege and not get offended with the microaggression of having to pay for purchases. It's a battle I admit.
