INEQUALITY
Want to help? Start by admitting you have had an unfair advantage
If you are white it can be difficult to see the privilege you have been born into — simply because you’re in it
The most important thing to understand about white privilege is to understand what it’s not. Privilege is not the same as wealth. When we hear the word "privilege" we automatically think of pampered rich people who live lives of ease and extravagance, and that’s simply not the experience of all white South Africans. Many white people come from working-class or middle-class families that have had to work hard for what they have. So when we hear the words "white privilege", we become defensive because we think our hardships and hard work are being dismissed. But the word privilege has nothing to do with wealth. It simply refers to some advantage or immunity that only a certain group get to enjoy. My mom grew up dirt poor. She was one of eight children; her father lost his leg fighting in the Second World War and the family had to get by on a meagre government disability pension. My dad was the son of Irish immigrants who arrived in this country with absolutely nothing. They worked the...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.