After watching the video in class, I remembered a time at my neighborhood Walgreen as I stood in line a Caucasian male was checking out and the cashier asked if he wanted to redeem his reward point ( points earned from have a rewards discount card). When the next African American customer can up the cashier asked if the customer had a card but not if the wanted to redeem points nor did she ask me. As I stood there I realized the cashiers never ask African Americans if they want to redeem their points. I have had my rewards card for years and know I have points that could be used towards my purchase. This not as extreme as the lady in the video situation, just something I remembered after class and wanted to share.
Privilege is something we all have to be aware of, for African Americans I don’t really hear people speak of it as being privileged. Most times we just say be grateful for the things we have but I took my daughter to a party and the family was less privileged than she was use to seeing. The living room was being utilized as a bedroom and there was no furniture. She was only about three and was kind of standoffish at first with the other kids because they were way rowdier than what she is accustom to but she relaxed and everything was fine. When we got home we had a conversation about those who are less fortunate. I never thought about telling her that she is privileged because our living situation is more fortunate than theirs. I kind of think that if I would have stated it in that manner it would given her a superiority complex. What do you think?
I really agree with what you are saying. I never really thought of myself as privileged especially when I went to my friends houses and they were so much fortunate than I was. Then when I went to other friends homes, and they did not look like what I was used to, it was a shocker. I think that when people know they are fortunate they do feel superior, and I think its a good thing that you talked to her in the manner that you did. Especially because she is young.
ReplyDeletei really agree with you as well.i also think the walgreens story is really interesting, as a white female from what i can recall, i am usually asked if i want to use my rewards card ( i also dont have one haha)
ReplyDeleteI think the fact that you are so conscious when you speak to your young daughter about these issues, and even that you are interested in speaking to your young daughter about these issues, is so amazing and interesting. I think you are right, that it could give her a superiority complex, if you just tell her that they are less fortunate and she should feel bad for them and think they are inately different or unable. Though, if you ask her what she thought without influence, then encourage her to expand on her thoughts, I think it would be a great way to encourage well intentioned thought and challenging of perspective at a young age. this was really cool thanks for sharing
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