(due Saturday by NOON)
1) Choose three examples from either the White Privilege Checklist, the Male Privilege Checklist, and the Black Male Privilege Checklist, or the Heterosexual Checklist (Katz) that made you think about your own privilege in a new way and tell us why (1 paragraph)
2) Now make your own checklist (5 items) and explain why these are privileges using the week’s readings and lecture. Explain key facets of the systems of oppression (gender, racial, heterosexist) that exist to reinforce these privileges in your life (2 paragraphs).
3) Go to your section’s wallwisher link for “Gender Microaggressions” (on E-learning). Post an example of a gender microaggression. Then post the message that this microaggression sends (this is a required posting and will count toward full credit for this learning module!)
In the Male Privilege Checklist, there were three examples that really caught my eye. The first being, “If I’m not conventionally attractive, the disadvantages are relatively small and easy to ignore.” I realized that this is completely true. Personally I know me and a lot of my friends have been with guys that we think aren’t the cutest things but if they a flaw in their appearance we don’t let it affect our opinion of them as much. The second example I chose was “Every major religion in the world is led primarily by people of my own sex. Even God, in most major religions, is usually pictured as being male.” I agree with this because I believe that guys are strong willed and more people will listen to them speak or pray. MY last example I chose was, “If I have sex with a lot of people, it won’t make me an object of contempt of derision.” I won’t judge a man who has sex with a lot of people, but for a woman, I know they can hold themselves back, so if they have sex a lot I would consider them slutty.
ReplyDelete1. I will be treated more delicate than a man when being talked to or when playing sports with men because I am a woman.
2. I will be nurturing and caring to my kids because I am a woman.
3. I can find more makeup that matches my skin tone because I am white.
4. I will be fearful when walking alone at night because I am a woman.
5. If I dress in clothes with holes and slits, guys will think I am a slut because I am a woman.
Girls are looked at as delicate and breakable whether it is their feelings or their body, so guys take it more lightly when doing things with girls than they would do with their guy friends. Women are also known to be nurturing to kids because they feel they have a connection from the baby forming inside them. On another subject, because I am white, I have an easier time finding more things in stores that match my skin tone. Whether it is band-aids, or make-up. If I am walking outside alone at night, I have a greater chance of getting raped because since I am a girl and girls are known to be delicate and fragile, I would have a lesser chance of fighting back. When talking about clothes, if I were to wear clothes with holes, guys would think of me as more confident which means I am more confident to talk to guys which makes me a slut, unlike if I were to wear something that doesn’t show my body at all, guys would think I am scared to show my body so I am innocent.
“The Black Male Privileges Checklist” made me think the most about myself and the privileges I have. One of the examples was the first few listed on the checklist. It said, “When I read African American History textbooks, I will learn mainly about black men.” I realized I have the privilege of reading books in history containing white women and learning from them. Another on the checklist is, “Most sports talk show hosts that are members of my race are men.” As a white woman I have the privilege of watching the news and seeing a reporter who is most likely looks like me. Finally, on the checklist, “I have the privilege of marrying outside of the race at a much higher rate than black women.” I realized that I have the privilege to marry outside of my rate higher than white men, and black women. All of these privileges from the checklist brought to light situations and ideas I had not thought of before.
ReplyDelete1.) I have the privilege of going into a store and being guaranteed to find hair and skin products.
2.) I have the privilege of getting a job because I have a college degree.
3.) I have the privilege of being socially accepted when I walk into almost all places of business.
4.) I have the privilege of dating outside of my race.
5.) I have the privilege of not thinking that the opportunity to go to college was not a possibility.
These are all privileges for me because I am white, a woman, college educated, and financially well off. Many times I have taken for granted the fact I could walk into a store and was able to buy any type of shampoo, brush or hair spray and could get my hair done. I did not realize that black women hair products were not available in all stores until I took my niece, who is black, to Target to get hair oil and could only find one shelf with black women’s hair products. This was one of the eye openers I had because before that experience I had never shopped for hair oil and did not know the places it was not made available. Also a privilege dealing with race is as a woman I have the opportunity to date outside of my race more easily than a man who may want to do the same.
The privilege of going to college was also something I took for granted. I never wondered if I would be able to go because I always knew it was financially taken care of if I did not get a scholarship. Now I am in college and will graduate in a semester and I know I will have the privilege of putting my college degree on my resume giving me the better opportunity to get a job.
When reviewing these different privilege checklists, it made me look at mine in a different light. There are a few that stood out to me more than others. I decided to pull three from the heterosexual list. "1. I can legally marry the person I love." I couldn't imagine not being able to marry the person I love. It never crossed my mind that I wouldn't be allowed to marry the person that I wanted to. "2. I can find greeting cards for the person I love for any occasion in any card store." This is another privilege that I never really realized was a privilege. Getting a greeting card for a loved one is no problem. "15. If the person I love dies, I can openly share me sorrow." This one was the one that stood out the most. When someone dies expressing my feelings is very important to me.
ReplyDelete1. Because I'm a woman, I can bring a child into the world.
2.Because I'm a woman, I'm expected to be housewife.
3.I have to go to a special store to find good hair products because I'm black.
4.Because I'm a black female, I'm less likely to graduate from college.
5.I can go anywhere without stares because I'm a heterosexual.
Being able to bear a child to me is a privilege. It is one that most probably take for grantite. Especially since there are some women who are unable to do so. This is a privilege that only women have and that we should all be more thankful for. On the other hand, there are some downsides to being a woman. Most women are expected to stay at home and take care of the children while the man is at work. When he gets home his dinner is expected to be ready and the house should be clean.
My third one shows how there are disacvantages to being black. In almost any store you go in you can find white hair products but it isn't that easy for us. Also, being black and a female I am less likely to graduate from college according the black society.Being a heterosexual has many advantages that are taken for grantite. Being able to go out as you please and not be stared at is a huge privilege.
I chose three examples from the white privilege checklist. It made me think about my privileges in a new way because since I am white, I noticed that I am unaware of how many privileges we have, from job opportunities to our way of life being different than colored people. Another example is that white women have more freedom to criticize. This is true and I, myself do it a lot and more or less is unintentional, however we do need to think twice before we say things because you never know how others feel or what they think about you.
ReplyDeleteMy own checklist of privileges would include these five items.
1. Women have a much lower chance of being murdered.
2. It is acceptable to for women to cry.
3. The chances of suffering a work-related injury is lower than a man's.
4. If women leave a fight it will not ruin our standings with friends.
5. A woman's role in a child's life is generally more important than a man's.
My first checkpoint is because women are seen as innocent and caring people. The second one is because men are not supposed to be emotional they are to be strong and be able to hold themselves together. My third one is because women are not supposed to do the "manly" part of any job. The fourth one is because women's friends see their friends leaving a fight as being mature, however men would say they are being a pansy. The last one is because women are much more nurturing while the man/dad's are out working.
The key facets to the system of oppression reinforce privileges in my life by them being not accidental or occasional, they happen unconciously. Another key facet would be that they are all systematically related in a way in which women pretty much do not have to do anything difficult or that would harm them in life and are also given just about everything we want no matter what a man says.
In the male privilege checklist a few items caught my eye. First, “If I’m careless with my driving it won’t be attributed to my sex.” This is such a true statement because women are constantly being harassed by their driving. In reality, not all women are bad drivers, so the gender as a whole should not be blamed for something like this. Second, “If I have sex with a lot of people, it won’t make me an object of contempt or derision.” Men are judged less harshly than women in terms of their sexual partners. A man can have many partners and it be ok, but if a woman had the same amount, she would be considered a slut. This is unfair treatment. Finally, “I can be loud with no fear of being called a shrew. I can be aggressive with no fear of being called a bitch.” Men are able to stand up for themselves more and not be judged for it. Women, on the other hand, are expected to sit back and not voice their opinions.
ReplyDelete1.Men pay my way most of the time, because I am a woman.
2.People respect me, because I am a woman in modern times.
3.I can always find clothing in my size, because I am thin.
4.I am expected to behave a certain way because I am a woman.
5.I am expected to dress in modesty or fear being ridiculed, because I am a woman.
A lot of times women take for granted the powers we actually hold over men. Instead of constantly complaining about men, why not use them to our benefit? Men try to impress the woman by buying them things. Even if the woman offers to pay the man incest on paying. So just accept the kindness of men. Next, I know for a fact people respect me because I am a strong willed individual. If this were fifty years ago that may not be the case. The times have changed for the better. My third example is also true. Most clothing is made for smaller individuals. I am so lucky that I can find so many awesome clothes that will look good and fit nicely. Larger girls have more difficult time finding these items for themselves. Women are also expected to be good girls and play nice. She may be viewed differently for speaking out in the world. Lastly, Women are not allowed to dress sexy, and if they do they have to be in constant fear of woman and men making fun of her.
The white privilege checklist caught my eye the most with the various entitlements listed. A few that relate to me include those that talk about race and being a male. One thing I am never asked to do is speak for my racial group. Because of the way I was raised, I do feel that I could easily find someone to talk to about my future, professionally. One privilege that I though was somewhat funny was that I can find just the right color band aid to match my skin color if I need one.
ReplyDelete1) If I graduate from college, I will be more likely be able to get job offers faster.
2) I am accepted for dressing differently than most local Alabama guys because I am from the West coast.
3) I can date anyone of any race.
4) I can play any sport I want and not be judged for it.
5) I am not criticized for listening to music that was made by people of a different race.
I felt that this privilege checklist was hard to make just because it’s hard for me to think of things that I am allowed to do because of who I am. It’s true that I will be able to get a job offer faster if graduating from college because I will most likely graduate from a respected university. I can wear whatever I want down here in Alabama and people will understand since I’m not from anywhere near here. I can date anyone of any race because I am a white male and I have never really been oppressed for who I am. I can play any sport because I am a male and our bodies were built to play whatever sport we become best at. Lastly, I can listen to music made by a person of a different race without being criticized because the music industry today has opened up to everyone nowadays.
Male Privilege Checklist
ReplyDeleteThe first privilege that caught my attention was #3:”If I am never promoted, it’s not because of my sex”. The second one was #38:”If I have child re n with a wife or girlfriend , chances a re she’ll do most of the child rearing, and in particular the most dirty, repetitive and unrewarding parts of childrearing“. The last privilege that was interesting was the last one #45:”I have the privilege of being unaware of my male privilege”. All of the privileges that I listed enlightened me because before reading the checklist, I wouldn’t have considered them as a privilege. I now look at them in a new way because I am more aware that they are. I am now more aware of the less obvious privileges.
The following in my vision of the Black Male Checklist with my own perception of what I think black men have the privilege to do. Some may be a little too much but it’s just my opinion. I may be wrong.
1. I have the right to call other black people negro.
2. At a predominantly white school, I will more than likely have an athletic scholarship.
3. I will be the main suspect in a crime.
4. I do not have to do nothing all day but still be considered head of household.
5. I can call someone of a different race prejudice if they act like it.
Most of the items on my checklist have to do with the system of oppression more related to gender and race. More particular, they are associated with race. Both facets reinforce these because they apply social life relevantly. Even though we don’t look at it this way, the items listed above are true to me. Some of the items can be categorized in a male checklist in general but I still felt they should be expressed in mine too.
@Kevin Noonan I like what you had to say and most of all it wasn't specified to just your race
ReplyDelete@ Sylvester M. You have some good points especially the first one in your checklist. I think we should do this a lot less.
ReplyDeleteIn the male privilege checklist,“If I have sex with a lot of people, it won’t make me an object of contempt of derision”is something that I have a problem with. Women, if they sleep around, are considered slutty and are almost devalued by society. I thought it was extremely braggy for them to state that“Every major religion in the world is led primarily by people of my own sex. Even God, in most major religions, is usually pictured as being male.” However, it did get my thinking about and it is somewhat true which is degrading.
ReplyDeleteMy checklist:
Since I am a woman, I should not be playing sports with boys.
I have to make better grades than boys.
I should be good at cleaning the house.
I should be fit and always maintain my appearance.
My goal in life should be to find a husband.
The privilege checklist was kind of hard to make because I hate thinking about stereotypes of women. These are true though because society has created these expectations for women. We should be smart and help boys with schoolwork, while maintaing our looks, keeping tidy, and finding a husband. That is a lot of pressure to be put on females. They should hardly be considered a pivelege
Within the white priviledge checklist, number 11 states, "I can arrange to protect my children most of the time from people who might not like them." I feel like all parents should be protective over their children, and take full responsibility of their actions, and this should apply for all of the checklists. Number 22 states, "I can take a job with an affirmative action employer without having coworkers on the job suspect that I got it because of race." I want to be able to get my job because I earned it, not because I think I got because of my race. This applies with politics in the United States because we elect people of all races, even if they have a cultural background. Number 24 states, "I can be sure that if I need legal or medical help my race will not work against me." I think everyone deserves the same amount of medical attention no matter what race they happen to be.
ReplyDelete1. I should get respect from men and women, no matter what the situation or circumstances are.
2. I am expected to walk around and act like a lady, by either dress or being friendly and mannerly towards others.
3. When I have a family someday, I am expected to take care of my family by being a geniune mother.
4. Women are more likely to get raped or kidnapped by men.
5. Being that I will have a college degree, I will more than likey get a job in the future.
In my opinion, women feel like since they are automatically discrimnated in ways such as we have to do something right, that they have to abide by checklists that people assume of them. Women have the same rights just as anybody else, and they should not feel like they are inferior to anyone else because they are a woman. The number one on my checklist should be true for anyone because men should respect women and women should respect men witin society for it to prosper within the real world. The number two says I am expected to act like a lady, and I feel like I should even if it wasn't expected. My mom raised me up to be a respectful, ladylike woman, and I feel like I should go forward with that and carry that attribute on to my children.
I hope to have a family, and I want to be the genuiune mother and raise my children the way they should be raised, just as my parents raised me. Even though, women do not like to think about the number 4 on my checklist, it still happens in everyday life, and women just need to be aware of their surroundings. It is just expected that since I will have a college degree, I will more than likely get a job faster than someone who didn't have a college degree. That is not to say that people will college degrees cannot get a job because my dad did not graduate from college, and he is a successful businessman today.
Claire... your list of privileges is completely accurate in my opinion. I agree with your aspirations to succeed in life and to do more than just sit at home with children. I also liked how you commented on your mom's attitude and how you admire it and will do the same.
ReplyDelete@Nicole Sosnow...I agree that whites take for granted situations that don't even phase us such as job opportunities, and sometimes it is best to just keep our mouths shut or don't say anything at all because someone could be offending someone else and not even realize it.
ReplyDelete@CatrinaK...I agree with what you have to say especially with the part about guys criticizing women drivers because it is so true!
ReplyDelete@ Sylvester M.
ReplyDeleteI like the list you made for yourself, i think these statements are what we should be discussing more about in class. You did a good job of justifying the type of person you are and the power that you have.
@catrina i agreaa with that checklist and feel like i can relate to them. Especially the fifth one!
ReplyDeleteThe first thing I would like to mention is the very last thing from the Male Privilege checklist, “I have the privilege of being unaware of my male privilege.” Because reading this definitely made me think. I started trying to look at the world from a women’s perspective, it just sort of made me analyze my life. The second one that caught was the one about a man’s image not really affecting his chances of getting a job and such, but it does so for a woman. I would definitely be a hassle for me to be anywhere on time if I were a female because I barely make it on time anywhere with the little time I need as a male to fix myself up for the day. So big ups to females who fix themselves up and still do what they need to do, and on time. The third is the quote on the checklist regarding males not having to worry about being stalked or raped in say, a dark place. That one only caught my eye because just the other day I was walking home late a night while on the phone with my mom and she tells me she doesn’t want me doing that, and I say, “It’s not like I’m a little girl walking home alone.”
ReplyDelete1. As a male, if my job were to require me to move, chances are the wife and family would follow you and she would relocate her job to that destination also.
2. I can go on a angry rant, and not be called a “bitch” for it.
3. As a male, I am open to a broader range of activities, especially sports.
4. My role of leader does not have to be earned
5. Chances are, I will not be sexually abused, or stalked.
As a man, like number four says, I really do not have to earn my role as leader, especially of a household. People find it common that the woman relocate with her husband. For my second on the checklist, anger is sort of a man’s attribute, women are seen having a “default”, or expected attribute of being sweet, anger is sort of a dominant attribute, and we all know society’s view on woman and dominance. So therefore, women and anger just don’t look right, and it is frowned upon, usually results in that woman being called a bitch. People tie in other names with things that aren’t normal. As for my third listing, I once witnessed a teacher who was female, rant on to a male student about how we as males have this broader range of activities to choose from while girls are stuck with fewer extra-curricular activities. This was after the male student complained about not being able to do some of the things girls can do, but I guess there are two sides to every story. Lastly, when is the last time you heard of a male being raped at all, besides prison, and I’ll leave that at that.
I know my comment is late. Drugs from having my wisdoms pulled took me out of commission last week, sorry. But i will provide a doctors excuse.
ReplyDelete