As a gay man, I think this privilege debate is kind of ridiculous.

[BainsBane]

27. Why is it so hard to figure out that class, race, gender and sexuality are not the same?

You don't have to be wealthy to benefit from white privilege. Nothing in that term suggests you are. All it means is you are not subject to racial discrimination. Why is that so objectionable? Are you seriously going to argue that being black or Hispanic makes no difference in America?

Of course all human beings have unique stories. The term white privilege doesn't suggest otherwise. It has NOTHING to do with assuming you know someone exclusively based on their race. You've clearly made a point of not paying attention to what anyone has said on the topic. It is unfortunate you don't have enough respect for DUers of color to read their concerns on this subject; instead you invent an absurd strawman argument. Posts like yours communicate to members of color that they can participate on DU as long as they don't say anything "too ethnic," like talking about privilege, that makes white folks uncomfortable. You're okay if you talk and act exactly like me, but if you start writing about stuff that makes me uncomfortable, that's illegitimate. I'll ignore everything you say and invent bullshit to trivialize your views and experiences.

I don't understand how these concepts are so alien to people. I would think everyone who attended college would have some basic exposure to race, class, and gender, at least. It's been standard analysis in history, literature, sociology, anthropology, cultural studies, and a whole host of disciplines for decades.

I'm a white person too, and I don't judge you based on your skin color. I judge based on your mind and positions you take on issues like these. Portraying yourself as the victim in this scenario is particularly offensive. The absence of racism does not make you a victim. Having to occasionally be exposed to the views of people of color does not make you the victim. I would be surprised if you had not been the target of homophobia, but hearing about white privilege does not oppress you.

This reactionary bullshit on race makes me ill. I feel like I'm trapped in a Fox News vortex.