How can white privilege get in the way?
Georgette: Privilege and power perpetuate and maintain the hierarchy in our society. It defines ‘being’ by virtue of skin color. It also defines the kind of relationship you have or are allowed to have and with whom. While many white activists won’t admit it, a black person would only have to call them on any issue, and they will promptly remind you of your place and your guest status at the table. The question, then, becomes how does one get knowledge and access to that power? How does one rise above powerlessness and dependency? Self-determination is one component, but equally important is for white people to yield access to power. Diane: It is challenging to recognize how my way of doing things and the rules of conduct that I understand are informed by privilege. Privilege, by its very nature, will “get in the way” as white people move toward and work as allies. Unfortunately, the more a white person works through his or her whiteness and toward being an ally, the more difficult it
