Reply to comment

I was particularly interested in the "Culture" article given to us by Paul because this year my school engaged in a voluntary seminar called "Courageous Conversations" and I found it quite interesting.  Approximately a half dozen Teachers and Counselors participated in a training to facilitate the six, 2 hour, sessions in many teachers besides myself volunteered to attend. (Oh, and did I mention that there was a flex day for all who attended all of the sessions).

We were exposed to many ideas, had many discussions in small and large groups. We were given articles to read prior to the next session. We were encouraged to speak our minds and as a result some took offence, some got mad and even a few cried. I found each session very interesting. The one that stands out was when video of black children being given a choice between two dolls that were the same except one had a whit skin color and the other black. All the children chose the white doll. When asked why that one was picked the children in one way or another said “because it’s prettier”. I could not believe this experiment and the idea stayed with me for weeks. Te workshop brought up some unsettling ideas.

When I lived in the Philippines after some time I began to think of myself as a Filipina and would immediately noticed when a white tourist arrived (on my bus, or in my small town) and like the Filipinos, I’d immediately take an interest. “Who are they? What are they doing?” I’d ask of my Filipino companions. Later when I realized how sub-culture I’d become I’d pan a trip to visit a fellow American.

It was the white privilege that I began to notice so distinctly in a sort of inside out way. It not only lives, it thrives.