McIntosh, P. (1989). White Privilege: Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack. Peace and Freedom Magazine, pp. 10-12.
Peggy McIntosh, PhD, is a world-renowned researcher, feminist, and anti-racism activist focused on shining a light on white privilege and racism. In this groundbreaking article, Dr. McIntosh illustrates the ways in which white people enjoy privilege in our country. As she observed male privilege from her fellow professors, she started to see a correlation between
white privilege and systemic racism. As a white woman, she began to ask herself and others if they were willing to let go of some of their unearned advantages for being born white. She writes, “Having described it, what will I do to lessen or end it” (McIntosh, 1989)?
The brutal truth about white privilege in this article struck me to the core. Dr. McIntosh writes, “I began to count the ways in which I enjoy unearned skin privilege and have been conditioned into oblivion about its existence”. She specifically notes the “frequent charges from women of color that white women whom they encounter are oppressive” (McIntosh, 1989).
As an African-American educator, I have experienced numerous instances of hostility that threatened to silence my voice within an organization. Due to slavery and systemic racism, white people have a complicated history with people of color in this country. In this article, Dr. McIntosh seeks to open our eyes to the inequity and create change within our society.
Systemic racism inhibits organizational growth and innovation. By exposing this ugly truth, organizational leaders provide room for systemic change and development.
L2: Demonstrate the ability to assess complex organizational environments and achieve communicative goals.
L4: Apply communication-centered scholarship to strengthen communication effectiveness.
D1: Iteratively develop inter-professional leadership competencies.
D2: Utilize communication to embrace complexity and difference.
D4: Be equipped to influence change.
Keywords: white privilege, systemic racism, organizational growth, innovation, and systemic change
