Personal Narrative: My White Privileges

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I grew up in a predominantly white neighborhood, with little crime. College was not out for reach for me and education was important. Societal standards make it hard for people with “stigmas” to acknowledge them and overcome them at times. I’ve never really had to make a list until class and was surprised about the things I took for granted. Everyone wants the perfect family with mom and dad waving goodbye as you drive away for college. They want the fairy tale wedding and the happily ever after. Life doesn’t always work out the as planned but that doesn’t mean you can’t have it all.
The most obvious of my privileges is my white privilege. Some may argue it’s not as pertinent as in years past but has obviously enabled me to get ahead in my life. I had African American friends growing up and there was an obvious difference on the streets as well as in the classroom between us. I can recall, one time at recess myself and three other girls drinking soda on the playground and the only person that ended up getting in trouble was my friend Amanda who was the only colored girl of the group. My Heterosexuality also makes it easier for me to acknowledge the person with whom I want share my life with. Although, my friends …show more content…
I’ve been asked to perform sexual acts; and been degraded by them. There are Doctor’s and Supervisors who doubt my intelligence and believe that I’m not as competent as my male co-workers. Being a single mother is a stigma that many correlate with my children suffering. Because of the societal stigma of single motherhood; people assume I was a bad wife (divorced) or a “loose” woman (unmarried). My income is a stigma that guides my lifestyle and that lifestyle of my children as well. The more money I make; the more things I seem to acquire. Because of societal standards; I’m again finding myself having to keep up with the latest styles and

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