White privilege

I have just read an excellent article that much more eloquently explains something I have been trying to put into words for many years. It is about white privilege. I have, on numerous occasions, been told I have to acknowledge my white privilege and I have and do (seeing quite clearly the validity of this), however I sometimes (and this was by no means the majority of my experiences) experienced a sense that acknowledging (for the requesting party) wasn't enough - I was required to feel shame or guilt for my colour. This angered me when I felt (or heard) this expectation, because I don't feel shame or guilt and don't see why I should. Setting everything else aside, how can I be married to someone of a different race if I constantly feel shame or guilt about my colour?

There was also something more, that I failed to convey when I tried to express it myself. It was about acknowledging that I have many privileges, only one of them being my skin colour. I acknowledge all of them and have done so for many years. I have felt very lucky for these 'gifts' and have tried to make the most of what I have been given.

There have been other elements of my life that would definitely not be classed as privilege. Occasionally I have wished they did not exist, but I try not to focus on the downsides and I try to focus on any benefits, because there are so many things I am so grateful for and, overall, I really am very fortunate.

A key point in the article, for me, that I would like to share with you, is this:

"...white people and people of color experience the world in very different ways. But listen: This is not said to make white people feel guilty about their privilege. It's not your fault that you were born with white skin and experience these privileges. But whether you realize it or not, you do benefit from it, and it is your fault if you don't maintain awareness of that fact."

Anyway, here we are. The article I referred to. I hope it enlightens you as it enlightened me. Explaining white privilege.