The other day, I had an intriguing conversation with a (self-described) African American mother from Washington DC. She explained to me that although there were opportunities in Washington DC for young black people in most places in our great nation, it was quite difficult to get by as there was still a great deal of discrimination. Now, I don’t think anyone in this country suggests that there is “no” discrimination, I think we all know there is.
Still, let me take a chance here and give you a counterargument. You see, adversity builds character, everyone should celebrate their adversity, overcome it, and then there are no limits! The gift of adversity is underrated. So if there are still boneheads that discriminate, that’s your problem, and no young black man with his whole life ahead of him should think twice about those racist dudes, get over that!
My acquaintance in Washington DC suggested that I read what Tim Wise has to say about “white privilege” in America. So, I thought I’d pass that on to my reader. Still, I don’t remember getting a free pass when I was a young white man, quite the opposite actually. You see, my career scholarship was awarded to a fellow Hispanic who did not have such good grades, had slower career times and was not more likely to be successful, class president, had community volunteer hours, in government student, 4- university lawyer, or run your own business since I was 12 years old, but I did. That didn’t matter, they said, because I was white.
In fact, they told me that this was necessary to ensure justice for everyone, that he should get that scholarship that he did not win, and even though I did win it and it was not fair to me, he should understand. I didn’t do it because I inherently knew it; it wasn’t right and it wasn’t fair, not after working so hard to achieve all of that.
So I would say that “white privilege” in the age of reverse discrimination is an oxy-idiot. I was publicly penalized for being white. Okay, I accept that, but I will stick to that line from now on when it comes to fairness on racial issues, you understand? I mean, I hope my readers of this article get it. Still, in hindsight, I suppose the adversity of being discriminated against in reverse taught me a valuable lesson; life is not fair. The government won’t make it fair and sometimes you have to work three times as hard as everyone else to be successful. I did, what is your excuse?
Find strength of character to overcome adversity and once you succeed, you will see exactly what I am talking about, and at that point, I bet you will see what I am saying here, while standing on top of that hill. Be cool, make it happen, prove everyone wrong, and win at life. Sincerely, Lance.