This semester I co-taught an undergraduate class at UW Madison's School of Business called Diversity & Business: S.E.E.D. The class explores various social justice issues such as racism, sexism, and homophobia.
One of the articles we read in the class is by Peggy McIntosh called White Privilege: Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack, where she identifies 50 aspects of unearned white privilege.
For example,
"46. I can chose blemish cover or bandages in "flesh" color and have them more or less match my skin".
This morning I went to coffee with one of my students and had a great conversation about the topics we discuss in class. Then afterwards I stopped into Walgreen's to buy a few things, including Band Aids. Well finally in 2006 there are clear Band Aids with the middle cotton part in light, medium, and dark to match various skin tones. Even though I am white, I was so excited I bought the medium box (they didn't stock the dark). To me this is just a small example of how a company can show more equity and be less focused on whiteness.
Thank you J & J, it's about time.
1 comment:
Thanks for the link to this article. I like the way she breaks it down to daily and common mental, emotional, and behaviorial occurences.
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