Rapaport is a second-year design/media arts and anthropology
student.
By Jaime Rapaport
When I sat down to read Megan Roush’s column in the Daily
Bruin, it was because I agreed with the statement in her title,
“Society sees
white as right, even if you don’t“ (Daily Bruin,
Viewpoint, Nov. 9). Yet, I found the column to be extremely
disappointing.
Roush asserts that racism still exists and that we live in a
society where “whiteness” is a clear advantage. I
agree. There is no denying that minorities are at a disadvantage in
our country and that most of the white population is unaware of
their inherent privileges.
But to attack the white population, as Roush did, is extremely
counterproductive. Roush writes, “While you might have
excelled in high school, I don’t think you’ve
necessarily “˜earned’ much at all.” Does this mean
that even though I was dedicated to academics in high school, my
devotion didn’t merit the honor roll, the scholarships and
the acceptance letter from UCLA? No.
Many whites fail out of high school, while others struggle to
overcome a low socioeconomic status and achieve success. Although
whites and minorities are not on a level playing field, it is
unfair to treat whites as if their race is the sole reason for
their success, and not just a boost. This is degrading, and in my
opinion, reverse discrimination.
I agree with Roush’s statement, “I think a lot of
white people fail to recognize that they have inherent privileges
because others identify them as white.” But if I, someone who
both supports affirmative action and believes that whites have
privileges in our society, was angered by this article, consider
how a white person who is ignorant of his privileges must react.
This assault on the white population is too generalized and too
demeaning to produce a positive response among white Americans.
Roush’s article forces whites, who are unaware of
inequality and feel they have worked hard, to defend themselves
instead of contemplating the notion of a level playing field.
Perhaps if the article shed light on the injustices of our society
without berating whites because of their race, those readers might
be more open to understanding the lack of equality in America.
Accusations may be an effective source of shock value, but in
this case they will only put ignorant whites on the defensive. If
the article did not exude such a negative and condemnatory tone,
perhaps it would not alienate people from the discussion of racism
but bring people into it.
Consider this: Roush writes that whites may use the excuse,
“It’s not your fault, you can’t help being
white.” It’s true. I can’t help being white. But
I can be a white American who deserves success because I work hard
and still believe in the rights of minorities. I can still be aware
of injustice and advocate change without feeling that the only
reason I am where I am is because I am white.
I do not deny that my race has been a boost and that many of my
opportunities have come about simply because I am white. But for
those whites who do not agree, and who believe that minorities are
already on a level playing field, feeling degraded because of their
race will not change their mind.
The issue needs to be discussed in a more open-minded manner
that encourages whites to use their privileges and education to
understand racism and its implications.