White Privilege: Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack

In my sociology class last semester a similar topic was discussed about the "privileges" of the white race in America. While I agreed with a lot of what was said in this article and to a point in my sociology class, I still always ask the same question, "If I went to China, Africa, Russia, etc. would I not be the minority?" Of course I would be a minority in China. That is because I am not Asian and a majority of China is. When people complain about being a minority in America I feel like I need to say, "well I am sorry for that, but yes this is a country dominated by white people". Just the same if I went to another country where the dominating race is something other than white. I do not believe people should be judged or less priveleged because of their race or ethnicity, but please do not pull the "minority card" because yes, you are in America and we are predominantly white. I would never go to another country and whine and complain about how I am the minority so boo hoo me. Be proud of your differences! If you are being treated differently or badly that is another issue that is not right, but please do not make a scene or hold a grudge against the citizens of that country because you do not see as many people of your race. Could I be more priveleged than others? Maybe, but the issue at hand is how you use that advantage. I do not think I should feel bad for MAYBE having more privileges because I know that I am using that privilege for the better good. For those that do not use their "invisible knapsack" in an ethical, decent way should be ridiculed individually. So many people put others in groups, but really it always comes down to individual people. No one can say that EVERYONE did this one thing because there will always be someone against the curve. If everyone was educated and open minded many of these issues would be resolved, but unfortunately that would be difficult if not impossible to have happen. Instead we need to live each day to the fullest and optimistically. Always remember that whatever issue or problem you are having it is not the end of the world and someone else is probably having the same problem or an even bigger one. Your life is your life and no one else's. Do not allow yourself to be placed into a group or label unless you choose to be. I am a Coug and choose to hold that label and be apart of that group, but I refuse to be placed into a group of more privileged people because in the end everyone has something going for them and than something just as equal not going for them. We are all the same whether you can physically see that or not.