White Privilege Unpacking The Invisible Knapsack Summary

1341 Words3 Pages

White Privilege: Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack by Peggy McIntosh


1. Looking at the title of the article and the opening quote from Peggy McIntosh, why do you think the article is titled using a reference to an “invisible knapsack”? What is in this invisible knapsack? Why should we learn to “see” the invisible knapsack?

The article uses the reference to the backpack as privilege is something that is carried around and brought with us everywhere. The fact that ultimately the realisation of the weight of what we carry is never truly acknowledged until it is taken off hence the addition of invisibility. This knapsack carries the tool and utilities so that we may succeed in life without any obstacles based on the colour of our skin. In other …show more content…

First Paragraph: In your own words, what does McIntosh say about men and women?
She explains that to the imbalance of rights between men and women is largely due to the fact that the men are unwilling to admit that they have more privileges than women but admit that woman have less privileges. Hence they are unwilling to admit that they have to give up their privileged so nothing in society will drastically change as a result.

3. Second Paragraph: In your own words, what does she say about …show more content…

In the section titled “Daily Effects of White Privilege” read through the list of different unearned privileges. Which two points stand out to you the most and why?
I found number 15 that singles out being ask to speak for their race an interesting point as I have never really reflected on whether I was asked to speak for an entire group. In my mind it also brings about the point that I , being of white heritage, have to apologize for my ancestors oppression something, I myself , had no input in. When this subject arises I have to speak on behalf of my heritage to apologise for something I have no control over either, my skin colour.
Another point I found compelling is the mention of being able to find a flesh coloured band aid that is similar to my own flesh colour. I find this an odd point to bring up as the flesh coloured band aids is only the beginning of a flesh coloured spiral that only gets worst. As a very pale human I find “flesh” colored products give me an orange hued tan (resulting in tears) so I can only imagine the struggle those with even more unconventional skin colors have when shopping (even more tears).

6. What are two (or three) key points that stand out to you in the section titled “Elusive &

Open Document