‘I can find my foundation skin tone because of white privilege. I can exist without fear of getting shot. That is white privilege’: Woman says ‘none of my struggles are because of the color of my skin’

“I was abused growing up.

But I still have white privilege.

I’ve known what it’s like to lose a job, be broke, and have zero in my bank account.

But I still have white privilege.

I have been harassed on the street.

But I STILL have white privilege.

I have been sexually assaulted.

But I STILL have white privilege.

I’ve been excluded from things.

But I still have white privilege.

I have had to work hard to get where I want without a cent to my name…

But I HAVE WHITE PRIVILEGE.

My life hasn’t been privileged in terms of money, gender, or class. But none of the things that have happened in my life have been because of the color of my skin.

I wasn’t excluded because of the color of my skin. I wasn’t racially profiled for the color of my skin. I haven’t lost a job or called the n-word because of the color of my skin. I haven’t had to work harder and prove myself as a person AND because of the color of my skin.

I can find my foundation skin tone because of my white privilege. I can find shampoos and conditioners that suit my hair because of my skin tone. I can look in a magazine and see girls that look exactly like me. I can go to the toy shop and buy dolls that look exactly like me.

I can turn on the TV and see my race represented. I can learn about my race and race history at school. I can walk down the street without being stereotyped. I can get a job and not be put at the bottom of the list because of the color of my skin. I can exist without fear of getting shot.

That is white privilege.

Having white privilege doesn’t mean you haven’t led a tough life; it means you haven’t led a tough life because of the color of your skin.

Having white privilege and recognizing it is not racist. Being white doesn’t automatically make you racist. Not acknowledging it, however, is.

So, when someone says you have white privilege, don’t take it personally. Listen and learn. Educate yourself and others.

And risk your unearned benefits purely because of the color of your skin for the rights and benefits of others.”

This story was submitted to Love What Matters by Laura Mazza, where it originally appeared. Follow Laura on Instagram here. Do you have a similar experience? We’d like to hear your important journey. Submit your own story here. Be sure to subscribe to our free email newsletter for our best stories, and YouTube for our best videos.

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