Does White Privilege exist? If so, do you think White Supremacy exists also?

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 18 Sep 2016 22:43:40 -0400

I know I'm probably playing with fire and causing people to be uncomfortable, but I can honestly sit and have this conversation with anyone and not get upset. I just want to know peoples views who served and who is currently serving now. If you don't think any of it exist please explain why. Thanks

Response by SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 18 at 2016 10:48 PM

SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 18 Sep 2016 22:48:25 -0400

I really don't think this is the forum for this conversation. There are many other websites and social media networks to have these conversations. This one isn't the one.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 18 at 2016 10:59 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 18 Sep 2016 22:59:13 -0400

Black and white privilege exist.. Also being said with supremacy.. I think this is dumb and not the right time or place for the nonsense

Response by MSG Reid Zohfeld made Sep 18 at 2016 10:59 PM

MSG Reid Zohfeld — Sun, 18 Sep 2016 22:59:56 -0400

I am glad you sit down and discuss this with out getting upset, that's a good start for this discussion.
Yes I am white and served for over thirty-seven years. in the 70s I saw little to none of race or any other problems. At the end of my time in the Army was pretty much the same. I am not going to say there where any problems but for the most part there was none. One thing I have always Loved about the Army is that for most part everyone is on a team. I will say I look at anyone one of two ways either you are or not a A##Hole I never would stand for intolerance among my unit or group.
I will say that the current upper leadership are like politicians worried about their own A##
The Army is what you make of it and if you do your job be where you are supposed to be when you are supposed to most will have a great time in the Army.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 18 at 2016 11:04 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 18 Sep 2016 23:04:32 -0400

All I see is green

Response by ENS Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 18 at 2016 11:39 PM

ENS Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 18 Sep 2016 23:39:51 -0400

Take 30 seconds and read this response - I'd love to know if you agree or disagree with what I am saying.

This is ridiculous. "Racial Privilege" is just another way for people to make EXCUSES for their current situation. There are so many stories where those who grew up in the worst neighborhoods, with nothing, raised by abusive parents and crime, got out, worked, went to college, and became successful. There are stories of rich and well off people who became failures, drug addicts, and criminals.

"Privilege" has so little bearing any anything. It's how you, as a person, live your life. It's your dedication and determination. Life is not, nor ever will be, fair. Grow up, act like an adult, and make something of your life. There are those living a more successful and meaningful life, who have been handed a much crappier hand than you have. Those without limbs, completing Spartan Races. Quadriplegic amputees who are motivational speakers. Those with ALS at the forefront of physics.

Think about it. Privilege is just another way for the country to spin a pathetic excuse of why their life isn't as as good or successful as others - when in reality, it's because they haven't worked for it - they haven't scarified for it.. They'd rather complain and receive pity than change their ways. When you have young black woman who grew up in the hood with an abusive single parent, who went off and got a college degree, became an Officer, excelled through the ranks, and supported their family along the way - you cannot tell me that "privilege" had any play.

It's those willing to face and conquer adversity that reap the spoils of success - not those who are handed it..

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Sep 18 at 2016 11:56 PM

Lt Col Jim Coe — Sun, 18 Sep 2016 23:56:43 -0400

This is a challenging subject and possibly better discussed in a different forum. White privilege has been studied in academia since at least the 1970s. Recent discussions in social media have made the general US population more aware of the term, but not all aspects of white privilege and the criticisms of it. To your question:
Yes white privilege exists in the US and in other majority-white societies. Most people who carry the privilege are unaware of it or see no reason to be concerned about it. What is perceived as white privilege may be economic or class privilege and not based entirely on race. For example white privilege appears to not apply to lower economic strata of white people. Also, the lack of white privilege appears to be of little true concern to non-white people in upper economic levels. This supports the concept that white privilege may be a race-based view of economic privilege. Classes as an organizational concept in American society have decreased in importance in the post-industrial era. It looks like there is a ruling class composed of professional politicians, major contributors and advisors to those politicians. The population may be stratified into classes based on economic success, i.e., wealth. Non-white people are represented in the ruling political class, e.g., President Obama, and the wealthy, but a majority of these groups are white.

An important criticism on white privilege is confusion of rights with privileges. What minority groups view as a majority group privilege may be a right that all people should enjoy. Examples include freedom of speech and assembly. White people may be able speak more freely in terms of time and location than some minority people. This isn't privilege, it's unequal enjoyment of a right that should be available to all. The distinction is important because it governs the way government policy is applied to equalize opportunities or enforce rights.

White supremacy is a form of racism. It has been greatly suppressed in the US since the 1960s. Although it isn't completely erased, it's my white opinion that it's no longer a major problem.

Response by SGT Tim Soyars made Sep 19 at 2016 12:09 AM

SGT Tim Soyars — Mon, 19 Sep 2016 00:09:44 -0400

White privilege, Black privilege (Affirmative Action), privilege of money, etc. It's meaningless to me. People call me white. I'm actually of Cuba decent. In the Army, I have had Black, White, Hispanic, and Asian NCOs and officers over me and EMs under me. The civilian world has been where I have seen the most privileges give to a group, and it was usually Blacks. I feel that people are defined by their actions. Their honor, integrity, honesty, and work ethic tell me what kind of person you are. My closes friends are white, black, hispanic, mixed, straight, and gay. None of those things define them to me. The fact that I have their "6" and they have mine is all that matters. Yeah. I'd help any of them move a body.

Response by Maj John Bell made Sep 19 at 2016 12:31 AM

Maj John Bell — Mon, 19 Sep 2016 00:31:30 -0400

I believe that we start out with inherent advantages and disadvantages based on "accidents of birth". Those include far too many advantages and disadvantages to easily list here. Not to diminish it, but race is only one of those "accidents of birth". Undoubtedly some of those advantages and disadvantages are created by the history of the nation, racial injustice is a significant, but not defining part of that history.

The question is not, do advantage and disadvantages exist. They do. Some people rise above their start, some sink below, regardless of their race, or family station, etc. etc. The question is will you, (generic you) regardless of those advantages and disadvantages allow them to define you.

Do I think white supremacy exists? No. Do I think white supremacists and racism exists? Yes.

Response by Capt Seid Waddell made Sep 19 at 2016 12:45 AM

Capt Seid Waddell — Mon, 19 Sep 2016 00:45:40 -0400

There is a good argument to be made that the affirmative action policies this country has enacted have resulted in black privilege.

There are white supremacists in this country, just as there are black supremacists.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hVcfymOvoUo

black panther kill some crackers.flv

www.VoteTheBumOut.com new black panther obama set free. wants to kill white babies and white crackers. first seen at polling place. video is filmed AFTER the...

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 19 at 2016 1:27 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 19 Sep 2016 01:27:49 -0400

I do not know how to answer this question but all I can say is President Obama, United States Attorney General Loretta E. Lynch, Eric Holder, General Colin L. Powell Gen Austin. The list goes on and on. I think we control our lives and the path we walk by the choices we make.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 19 at 2016 1:53 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 19 Sep 2016 01:53:18 -0400

If you're talking military-wise? There's certainly racism still in the military, though we've reached the point where there's out-and-out racists of every color. I'd say whites in the military are a little less overt about it in the current EO environment, but given that I drink with just about everyone given the occasion I've heard every racist viewpoint from every race represented in the military.
White privilege? Not so much, at least from my experience in the military. I've been up for the same promotions and schools as anyone from a minority race, so long as we both qualify for them it's usually a "whose command fights harder" or a "who isn't desperately needed for X amount of days".

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 19 at 2016 2:06 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 19 Sep 2016 02:06:30 -0400

I grew up near the inner city and had friends from every walk of life and every race and observed this; whomever was in power and the majority in the area they tended to be racist and suspicious of 'outsiders' which meant anyone different. I saw this amoung every race. No matter what the race, color, religion I saw this to be true especially amoung two groups: the rich and the poor.
The rich because many view themselves as better than others (again regardless of race) and they could afford to be racist and insulate themselves from that which was different and then the poor who overwhelmingly tend to have poor educations and feel they have to fight for every little inch of freedom, life and opportunity AGAIN regardless of color. The middle class have to get along because we have no choice and as statistics show really aren't absorbed as the poor and rich are about race. Like many before them, my immigrant grandparents saw zero benefit to their skin color or race. Recent history has attempted to erase our individuality and deny or rich ethnic differences attempting to glob us all together under the meaningless umbrella called "white or Caucasian". There is an obvious stigma today associated with being male and Caucasian with significant legal implications for academic and work opportunities that cannot be denied. It is sad an contrary to the vision and hope of great men like the Reversnd Martin Luther King who so wisely said "that I want my children raised in a country where they are judged by the content of their character NOT by the color of their skin". I want that blessing for my young daughter and all of Americans children.
So there is one race; human race and one real privilege, wealth which can be earned but the majority of real wealth is often inherited. That is the greatest privilege. We must return to the constitution and safe guard everyone's rights equally as "one nation, indivisible with liberty and justice for all".

Response by SPC Edward Lavoie made Sep 19 at 2016 2:32 AM

SPC Edward Lavoie — Mon, 19 Sep 2016 02:32:39 -0400

I don't think you can have this conversation without getting upset.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Sep 19 at 2016 2:42 AM

SFC Mark Merino — Mon, 19 Sep 2016 02:42:58 -0400

Are we only discussing if white privilege exists? Just curios I like what this lady has to say one thing I like to add is that our own government, in their attempt to rid racial divide and promote equality, continues to keep racial supremacy alive and well. I despise having to check any box other than one of God's children. But we are all guilty of it. A divided people are easy for the government to manipulate and control too. It's time to come together as Americans. I promise you that when some radical Islamist gets the chance to chop off your head, in the name of their peaceful tolerant religion our skin pigment will be of little concern.

http://youtu.be/HIi_sUEpQOc

Racism Destroyed In One Minute!

Jane Elliot Drops Truth! Please Subscribe to World Wide Videos for More!!!: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcriZ1HadZR6ARIcnTddZNQ?sub_confirmation=1

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 19 at 2016 3:34 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 19 Sep 2016 03:34:53 -0400

There is a small group of ignorant racists in each group. I don't believe that a significant majority of white Americans consider or attempt to repress others based on their race. There is a significant class divide in our country which makes it difficult for low income individuals to raise their standard of living, there certainly is a welfare ceiling which prohibits income growth. The reason this is viewed as White Privilege is that so many of our inner city low income personnel are African American. I see this as an economic issue that needs to be addressed using economic tools. There is no way to solve the "It's Racism" approach which only leads to more frustration and more racism. Lets fix our economy and lift everyone. we need solid economic principles, end the "too big to fail" Government monopolies, and reduce the big dollar donations. Free market capitalism (real capitalism not the crony system we currently have) is the solution to our problems it is not the cause of the problem as the big business corrupt individuals have been preaching for years.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Sep 19 at 2016 3:43 AM

SFC Mark Merino — Mon, 19 Sep 2016 03:43:17 -0400

Here is a man exercising his white privileges. https://www.facebook.com/MrTechnicalDifficult/videos/ [login to see] 25528/

MrTechnicalDifficult - Timeline | Facebook

MrTechnicalDifficult. 5,197,471 likes · 2,445,965 talking about this. Follow me on Snapchat: "kyleMTD"https://www.instagram.com/mrtechnicaldifficult...

Response by SSG Trust Palmer made Sep 19 at 2016 6:45 AM

SSG Trust Palmer — Mon, 19 Sep 2016 06:45:53 -0400

I see so many "uncomfortable" with his question. Not sure why it's easier to deflect vs saying yes or no. SGT Private RallyPoint Member I applaud you for ASKING a question. I keep saying that it all starts with a dialogue.

Thanks for the tag CPT L S

Response by CPT Tom Monahan made Sep 19 at 2016 6:52 AM

CPT Tom Monahan — Mon, 19 Sep 2016 06:52:10 -0400

Interesting "poll". We all learned that we are all green or blue. Ability and chacater make the soldier, not color. I could careless about a persons skin color. If you are worried about privilege look a DC. The area around it is so multicultural and wealth is abundant. Now where our country's poor are is different. I think poverty is constant and not determined by race. Population densities in the cities lean black but when you get into the sticks it's white. Native populations are more rural and Hispanics are more widely distributed. Notice no one talks about eastern Asians?

Response by SGM Patrick Kirby made Sep 19 at 2016 7:14 AM

SGM Patrick Kirby — Mon, 19 Sep 2016 07:14:25 -0400

Both exist, yet are very different from each other.

Response by SGT Alan Dike made Sep 19 at 2016 7:40 AM

SGT Alan Dike — Mon, 19 Sep 2016 07:40:43 -0400

You're playing with fire, but it does come into play as a leader in the military. People grew up in different areas of the country, and this will taint their view of life. As an NCO, you're going to have to understand this and deal with it/squash it when it rears its ugly head. Does the privilege of being white come with benefits? In some parts of the country, sure as hell does. That said, I'm white and have been pulled over multiple times for things like a noisy muffler.. then had my car searched for drugs. I've been followed around stores like I was a shoplifter. I've been jumped and told to go back home, I don't belong there (ironically, about 3 blocks from home). I don't believe its universally out there. Understand that misperception is a source for a lot of friction.. as you get stripes and have a squad under you... understand neither soldier may be wrong, and at the same time neither may be right... Beware of falling for a false dichotomy. Just because one side is wrong, it doesn't automagically mean the opposing side is right, and vice versa.

As to white supremecy.. sure, there are folks that believe having one skin color means you're superior to all others. That applies to Whites, Blacks, Hispanics, Asians, Americans of all races and creeds. Doesn't make them right, just makes them ignorant.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 19 at 2016 7:49 AM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 19 Sep 2016 07:49:43 -0400

I think the term is the same as using the "n" word. And keeping that in mind, we are going to practice some PC of our own. For example, "redneck' for starters. There are Spanish-speaking and black redencks. Also, following with this theme is to disallow, "Cracker, White Trash, Snowball and Peckerwood'. At the end of the day, we will all become so politically-correct that even talk will banned. Perhaps intent and mind control may be discussed. lol. I am not offended but when the black community and white liberals refer to Conservatives as 'racist" and multi-phobic, yet want to maintain a monolithic structure as it pertains to what blacks say and cannot say. No, I do not think that this concept exists. Just more hubris.. Hope I didn't ruffle any feathers or maybe I did. lol

Response by Maj Marty Hogan made Sep 19 at 2016 8:30 AM

Maj Marty Hogan — Mon, 19 Sep 2016 08:30:13 -0400

I stumbled into this one and read the comments- great job RPers. Some great insight and maybe we've come farther than our government officials give us credit for. SGT Private RallyPoint Member do not ever stop asking the hard questions- that is how society progresses. The minute it becomes a taboo subject is when the issue arise.

Response by CPT Adam P. made Sep 19 at 2016 8:40 AM

CPT Adam P. — Mon, 19 Sep 2016 08:40:55 -0400

When I talk to people about the subject, I always ask; If you could choose to be any race/ethnicity would you choose to be an African American? Why or Why not?

Response by MSgt Michael Smith made Sep 19 at 2016 8:46 AM

MSgt Michael Smith — Mon, 19 Sep 2016 08:46:42 -0400

Both are alive and well! There is no question.

Response by CPT Jack Durish made Sep 19 at 2016 9:06 AM

CPT Jack Durish — Mon, 19 Sep 2016 09:06:08 -0400

White privilege exists. Not to the same degree as it once did, but it's still there. More so in some places than others, and no, I'm not talking about the South.

Response by Sgt John Steinmeier made Sep 19 at 2016 9:11 AM

Sgt John Steinmeier — Mon, 19 Sep 2016 09:11:31 -0400

As long as someone believes it exists it does.

Response by SPC Erich Guenther made Sep 19 at 2016 10:43 AM

SPC Erich Guenther — Mon, 19 Sep 2016 10:43:33 -0400

I look at #1 comprehensively (across all of society and say NO), though it might exist in pockets. I look at #2 and say definitely yes and I can name a good portion of the groups and even some geographic regions of the country where it is heavy.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 19 at 2016 10:57 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 19 Sep 2016 10:57:47 -0400

These types of questions irritate me to no end. Whether these types of questions are posted here, on Facebook, or even on a piece of paper tacked to a post. All these questions (while the intent is probably different) do is release the Kraken of emotions, thoughts, and feelings to the point where it is no longer a civilized conversation. White Privilege and Supremacy is merely one side of the coin. What no one wants to acknowledge or talk about or even admit that it exists, is the Privilege and Supremacy that is non-white. Trust me, it's there. Seen it first hand.

But I digress. Truly this type of question is a double edged sword. In order to defeat racism and the mad flare up of over zealous emotions that go with it, one must talk about it and find a way to defeat it once and for all. But, then, when people bring it up and talk about it.....again that's when the over zealous emotions and ideas come out and next thing you know EVERYONE involved in the "conversation" is labelled a racist if they don't see the point of the other person and concede their own.

Truly damned if we do and damned if we don't.

Response by CPO Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 19 at 2016 11:06 AM

CPO Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 19 Sep 2016 11:06:31 -0400

SPC

While I will say I do not think White Privilege exists, I will agree there are those that think White Supremacy is the way to go. Thankfully we do not tolerate those kinds in the Military.

Now on to the explanation, there is no White privilege, it’s all a point of view. I like to break things down to the kindergarten level (easier to explain to the Ensigns j/k) White privilege / Black Privilege / privilege is like two kids arguing over who got the bigger or better piece of the cookie, or that person got away with it “why can’t I”. It’s a finger pointing 5 year old screaming about fair share while holding the whole bag of cookies. (all Races included in that statement) No one has it any better than anyone else because of their skin color. Its what you choose to do with the hand you are dealt.

White Supremacy… Sadly there is still a fringe group of Cromagna / Neanderthals that think being pigment challenged is a plus. (as a ginger it sucks let me tell you) there is also the BLM, and the Black Panthers for the other “team” Doesn’t matter what group you are there is always someone with a low I.Q trying their best to make you look bad.

What really depresses me is we had made such strides to end that debate. Now through fear mongering from both fringe sides’ groups we are almost back to square one with a generation that thinks they have the right to blame everyone else for their choices.

Morgan Freeman said it best, (to paraphrase) Want to end racism? Stop talking about it. I’m going to call you SPC Covington and you’re going to call me IT1 Spencer and we are going to converse as Men and Brothers, as a Soldier and a Sailor.

If everyone starts doing that in time the fringe groups will lose their voice, they will lose their platform, and then they will be lost in the winds of time.

Just my two cents on the subject.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 19 at 2016 11:07 AM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 19 Sep 2016 11:07:34 -0400

Personally, I see the whole matter as a rich/poor issue. Those born in poverty have less chance of succeeding simply because they are often told that they are somehow inferior. Whether, black, white, green, or yellow one CAN work his/her way out of it. But it requires a lot of effort.

Some, of all races, succeed. Some do not. Many never try because they have come to believe that it can't be done. The ones that do not try tend to claim that they were kept down, and that those who escaped did so only because of (you can fill in the blank)

Response by SSgt Boyd Welch made Sep 19 at 2016 11:31 AM

SSgt Boyd Welch — Mon, 19 Sep 2016 11:31:24 -0400

What is white privilege? I was raised in a poor family on a farm. most families in my area were basically truck farmers. My parents had minimal education but wanted better for me. They couldn't help me with school but they instilled that success was dependent upon me and my efforts. I studied after my chores and work and did odd jobs for neighbors to earn money. The only privilege I had was the same others had: Get out and hustle, do the best you can on your education and beat the bushes to find work. If others chose not to do that, then it has nothing to do with whiteness or blackness or yellowness or browness...it has to do with effort. The military gave me every privilege I needed...

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 19 at 2016 11:54 AM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 19 Sep 2016 11:54:12 -0400

It is only playing with fire because too many people will not confront the issue: mainly what goes on inside their own heads. To get it out of one's head takes confront. The ability to look and be comfortable with what is in front of you.

Supremacy: yep, it exists. Not only white but black, nazism, transhumanism, creationism, deism, and the list goes on.

Privilege: Of course it exists. Try growing up white in a Japanese society. Try being a Tuskegee Airman in WW-II. Privilege is more of a slippery slope. I don't think I am "Privileged" because I am white, yet I've been told to my face by all colors I am. As was said elsewhere, walk a mile in my shoes. We all have our stories. We all have our journeys. Privilege is what you make of it and how you handle it. My current pursuits are very specifically open to ALL race, creeds, religious beliefs. For decades, it was predominately white. That has slowly changed as we find those who are willing to put aside the idea of "Privilege", roll up their sleeves and work just as hard as those who have already succeeded.

I you think I am "Privileged", there is nothing I can do to change your point of view *EXCEPT* walk-the-walk long enough you choose to change your view point.

Response by PO2 Kristy Williams made Sep 19 at 2016 12:02 PM

PO2 Kristy Williams — Mon, 19 Sep 2016 12:02:02 -0400

I don't think so. I think there are problems with rich people not white people. But that's my opinion and I'm sure everyone's is different.

Response by Capt Michael Greene made Sep 19 at 2016 12:18 PM

Capt Michael Greene — Mon, 19 Sep 2016 12:18:18 -0400

Absolutely. Our nation was founded on white supremacy and a lot of it is still active today, mostly in the form of white privilege and power. The English and Dutch arrived and their descendents killed the inhabitants, then they brought over slaves to work the land they took by force. The wealth and power of our nation have been owned mostly by a very few WASP families ever since. Several of our presidents deliberately initiated attacks on the Spanish-speaking countries to the south. Sometimes, the stated goal was simply to bring "Christian civilization" to those heathens and enforce our type of government on them. Other times, we sent in Marines specifically to benefit the American fruit companies. The biggest military action of this type, of course, was a simple land-grab to take much of Mexico. We deported brown people en masse and interned Japanese people who were citizens! No such thing ever happened to Americans of European descent.

Our government enforced 250 years of slavery and 100 years of Jim Crow anti-black laws. In the postwar South, governments simply made it illegal for blacks to own land, and made it illegal for whites to marry certain minorities. Some sheriffs and mayors joined the KKK to terrorize black people. America's leaders at the local and state level did everything possible to destroy the African American's chances at participating in the economic and political system. They spent centuries destroying black families and enslaving or incarcerating black men, and now accuse blacks of having weak family structure with bad or nonexistent male role models.

Our background, our power elite, even our tax laws, all keep WASPs in power. But this is being corrected, and a lot of people can't stand it. Remember when the majority of our population freely elected a black man to the presidency? On Inauguration Day, the party of the powerful white donors held a goal-setting meeting to ensure that the people's choice of government would fail on every issue, no matter what. White America bought guns like crazy and militia membership soared immediately.

So yeah, even though our partly-still-racist nation is much better than some other nations, we still maintain a system that works to prevent many of our people from becoming fully enfranchised. And that, my friends, keeps America from realizing its full potential in prosperity, production, and peace.

Response by CPT Alan Bentson made Sep 19 at 2016 12:36 PM

CPT Alan Bentson — Mon, 19 Sep 2016 12:36:59 -0400

At one point there was a White Privilege in some parts of the country. This was formally part of our legal system and in culture. At the time you could easily point out those privileges: segregated school, buses, stores, etc. Segregated military units ceased in the 1950s. On television in the late 60s we first started to see positive role models in Nichelle Nichols (Lt Uhura) and Ivan Dixon (SSG Kinchloe). The color barrier was broken in professional and college sports by the early seventies. We have broken the color barrier over time in all areas to now include the Presidency. Minorities can be found at all institutions of higher learning. I've read that 50% of all scholarships go to minorities.

So the real question should be - what privilege do whites enjoy that are not available to others?
I don't know of one.

Response by PO3 Keith Charboneau made Sep 19 at 2016 12:50 PM

PO3 Keith Charboneau — Mon, 19 Sep 2016 12:50:00 -0400

i served for 10 1/2 years in the united states navy, deployed into combat during desert shield/desert storm and after desert storm, 3 consecutive deployments for nearly a year and 9 months straight, multiple other peacetime deployments to the Indian ocean, i am a White American, and have served with thousands of African Americans, Mexican Americans, Filipino Americans, Asian Americans, now i can say the only colors that anyone that i ever served with was Red White and Blue, we were ALL Americans, despite the colors of our skin, now i began my enlistment on August 26 1987 and was released because of the Clinton draw down on July 11 1998, and i personally NEVER seen any hints of racial inequality or different treatment of any kind, in all of the commands that i was assigned to which were 9 to include 4 duty stations and 5 schooling commands, such activity would not be tolerated, we were all on the same team, trying to accomplish the same goals!

Response by CPT Pedro Meza made Sep 19 at 2016 2:15 PM

CPT Pedro Meza — Mon, 19 Sep 2016 14:15:03 -0400

White privilege and white supremacy work hand in hand, now show me your id before you vote.

Response by SFC James Asbill made Sep 19 at 2016 2:39 PM

SFC James Asbill — Mon, 19 Sep 2016 14:39:24 -0400

But there is no Black Supremacy huh ?? And we know that is not true. Each and every race has its belief that they are unique and better than others ..

Response by Maj Kevin "Mac" McLaughlin made Sep 19 at 2016 3:20 PM

Maj Kevin "Mac" McLaughlin — Mon, 19 Sep 2016 15:20:36 -0400

White privilege... What is it really? The suggestion that since our ancestors at some point may have participated in slavery long before we were born and gave us an advantage in life today? Something we are all taught (or should be) is to learn from our mistakes of the past and move forward by not repeating those mistakes. Rehashing them over and over again accomplishes nothing. There are no calls for a return to slavery, segregation, or an acceptance of bigotry and racism. No significant calls that is. While there are still people who hold those attitudes, they do not speak for me or the people of their same color. Being white or black is not a club or some kind of organization. so not to sound harsh or uncaring, but people need to get over it. We are all fortunate to be born American too, where even the lowest class of people economically can far surpass the quality of life of the from most other countries. Should we give up our status in the world to prop up the more unfortunate countries to be equal to our own?

So this leads me to ask what are white people expected to do to bring closure to our past as a nation? Am I supposed to give something up? Trade my life with a family less fortunate than mine? Throughout my life and with education I have already recognized the fact that this country made poor choices by instituting slavery and treating people of other races as inferior. I was never raised to look down at people regardless of their race. As a country we speak out against people who discriminate by race. We do not stand for racism when it is clearly demonstrated. Why can't this be enough and then what more can we do to move on. I don't want to move on because the argument scares or embarrasses me. I want to move on because only then is when we make real progress. What matters most is, do I treat everyone equally? Do I look past color/ethnicity? I say yes and when someone blames me for problems I had no part in, I become less concerned about what they have to say.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 19 at 2016 3:37 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 19 Sep 2016 15:37:00 -0400

I think us military folk have an advantage over the rest of the country, and even the world for that matter, when it comes to discussions about racial equality or inequality. We serve side by side with people from all walks of life and we realize we are all human and we need each other to survive, regardless of race.
Have I been blessed because I am white? Absolutely not. My family lived in fairly decent areas throughout the Midwest my entire life. We weren't always very well off by my Dad worked his ass off without a college degree to provide for us and to make sure we were in a position to succeed. Yes, I attended schools that were better than those in the inner cities, I always had clothes on my back and shoes on my feet and food on the table. But did I have all of those privileges because I'm white? Absolutely not, I had them because my father, who did not attend a very good high school and did not go to college, worked his ass off to make sure I had those things.
Does white privilege exist? On some level it does still. I also know there are people of other races who received scholarships based solely on their race. Who got jobs over me simply to reach a quota.

If everyone was viewed as a HUMAN, and if everyone worked their asses off none of this would exist. We would truly all be regarded as equal. I'll be Sgt Joel Barrett and you be SGT Private RallyPoint Member and let's just be brothers in the human race.

Great question by the way man.

Response by MSgt James Mullis made Sep 19 at 2016 4:01 PM

MSgt James Mullis — Mon, 19 Sep 2016 16:01:04 -0400

It seems to me that the term "White Privilege" is purposely designed to trigger a negative response or even worse to be used as tool to shut down open discussion. The issues involved in discrimination and privilege (Social, Economic, Racial, Sexual, Location of birth, Education, Religious, Rank, Social Standing, Intelligence, Skill, Talent, Beauty, Body Shape, Hair Color, Height,etc) are WAY TO COMPLICATED to be encompassed by a two word "Catch Phrase". That said I'll give you an equally brief answer: "Yes, there is racism."

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 19 at 2016 4:09 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 19 Sep 2016 16:09:18 -0400

Please everyone I asked this question because I want to hear opinions from the military community. I always hear civilians respond to the question and I sometimes wonder what military personnel have to say about this topic. This doesn't just affect our fellow civilians, but it affects us as a military community as well. By no means am I trying to start a vocal war I just believe I can call on my fellow brothers and sisters who served before me and are now serving with me to help me discuss this topic. If you feel uncomfortable please don't respond just keep scrolling. Thank you all for paving the way for me to follow and thank you for conversing with me on this topic. Once again if I upset you (the community) with this question then I deeply apologize and only want to engage in an intellectual conversation with those who come from different backgrounds. Thank you

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 19 at 2016 5:11 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 19 Sep 2016 17:11:26 -0400

sadly from what im seeing, from political stand point , I think it still exists.

Response by SSG Drew Cook made Sep 19 at 2016 6:50 PM

SSG Drew Cook — Mon, 19 Sep 2016 18:50:53 -0400

Yes and yes. No question.

Response by MSG Mitch Dowler made Sep 19 at 2016 7:20 PM

MSG Mitch Dowler — Mon, 19 Sep 2016 19:20:34 -0400

White privilege is just one more divisive and inflammatory statement. We were a nation based on equality of rights not results. Many want us to move toward a more socialist direction of equal results as seen in invented issues such as income inequality. With success and wealth comes more benefits and some privilege may be part of that. Oprah is far more privileged than I and rather elitist as well.

Cultural and personal choices matter and consequences both good and bad exist. Claiming others get ahead due to some unfair advantage is an excuse for ones own lack of success. To be successful increase your failure rate till experience and education create a high success rate.

Response by SSG Warren Swan made Sep 19 at 2016 8:26 PM

SSG Warren Swan — Mon, 19 Sep 2016 20:26:11 -0400

After reading some of the responses, my take is this IS a good place to talk about it. You're with your peers both active, retired, or civilian. The only way to make change is to talk about it, act on it, follow up on the results, and adjust fire and repeat. There is all kinds of privilege in America. I go nowhere without my Black card, my White card, I'm working on my Latino and Asian cards. I'm also looking for stress cards. Are there any perks with these cards? Hells naw. You can be the most squared away shitbird this side of the galaxy and be the undercover bigot we sleep on. You have to define what Privilege is. Once you do that, who does this definition apply to? Is it an actual representation of the definition or what mass media or societal norms tell you it should be? What about your own beliefs? There are a lot of variables to take into account when saying anyone has more "privilege" than you. Do I personally think it is there? Yes. But not in a racial sense, but more economical sense. Have/have nots. Note how cops in the inner city react to things, vs. suburban police. Same job title, completely different ways of handling business. Inner city cops are more firm and authoritative and suburban cops are the same, but they aren't as quick to just hook you up.
White Supremacy, Black Supremacy, whatever does also exist. You'll ALWAYS have those who think based off their skin, they are due more than you, are better than you, are more pure than you, or can be you better than you. Some of those same assholes are with you when you go to the club. Usually starts with some kind of general hate statement you brush off as hateraide, and it keeps blowing up till you finally see who that person really is. Again it's not a Black vs White thing...it's just A thing. You can be BF'd a lot easier by your own race than anyone else. There will always be racism in America. Someone has to hold the other down for whatever reason. Me personally I'd rather it be overt where I know where you stand, and I can show you where I stand. We can hate each other equally, but respect the others stance. Covert racism is the worst. Got your battle at the house chillin playing cards and some of his/her statements are "off". Or you're dating a woman out of your race. Why is she with him under his breath. It can be your PSG or 1SG who wants you gone only due to race, so you're always on his radar for no good reason. We'll never get rid of it, but what we can do is discuss it openly, hurt some feelings and move on knowing the others position instead of assuming.

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 19 at 2016 9:35 PM

SCPO Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 19 Sep 2016 21:35:44 -0400

They probably exist in very small pockets across America, but NOT to the extent or level that you are quietly inferring in your question. Any institutional white privilege that may have existed certainly came to an abrupt halt in the late 1970s with the widespread judicial enforcement Affirmative Action in education and employment practices in government and private business. I know. I was the victim of its most egregious application for eight years. Another story at another time for a more receptive audience.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 19 at 2016 11:30 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 19 Sep 2016 23:30:15 -0400

I'm sure it did, and perhaps in some respects it still does. White Supremacists, yes they still exists, far fewer than there once were but they're out there living a life of fear and anger.

In our modern world I think there is little to be blamed on when it comes to other people. I know people of multiple races, religion, gender that are equally worthless and I know others that are successful. Ultimately regardless of what adversity one may face whether real or imagined those that have resiliency, fortitude, and a good work ethic will push through and prove that no matter what someone says or thinks that they will not stand in the way of your success.

I have witnessed more people, cultures, and ways of life being in the Army then in my civilian life, and I doubt I ever will in the Civilian world. There's this thing that pulls us together regardless of where we come from. We have common beliefs and goals, we work hard (most of us), and we would fight for each other.

I don't know how we can bring that to the Civilian world but I think we can set an example for them.

Response by SSgt Jim Gilmore made Sep 20 at 2016 2:04 AM

SSgt Jim Gilmore — Tue, 20 Sep 2016 02:04:50 -0400

You are correct! You are playing with fire and if you get your ass singed you have no one else to blame but yourself. White privilege as it's referred to is nothing more than making yourself a victim of your own prejudices. Does white supremacy exist? To a certain extent, yes it does within certain segments of the white community like the KKK. Additionally, black supremacy exists within the black community with the new black panthers. It is not a WHITE or BLACK issue, it's an issue of making the most of whatever opportunity you have. Quit making excuses and man up!

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Sep 20 at 2016 2:06 AM

PO1 William "Chip" Nagel — Tue, 20 Sep 2016 02:06:12 -0400

God Bless Jane Elliot for Opening Eyes.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Sep 20 at 2016 3:16 AM

SFC Mark Merino — Tue, 20 Sep 2016 03:16:07 -0400

Should be easy for veterans to get behind. Pink, purple, or onyx, if you are an American in trouble I'm coming to get you. Only a racist scumbag would even ask what flavor you are. We're all black when the lights go out.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 20 at 2016 9:10 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 20 Sep 2016 09:10:33 -0400

I don't like it, I don't particularly buy it, but everything has a benefit or a drawback. It may be easier to be white in modern America, but it's not anywhere as impactful as being educated, wealthy or well connected.

The biggest drawback of the discussion is that it takes focus of the class warfare that SHOULD be waged and turns Americans against each other

Response by PO3 Donald Murphy made Sep 20 at 2016 10:18 AM

PO3 Donald Murphy — Tue, 20 Sep 2016 10:18:04 -0400

How about college privilege where people make more than me because they've been to college. Then expect/demand me to train them...oooops. Thats racism I see EVERY.DAMN.DAY.

Response by PO1 Roger Waddle made Sep 20 at 2016 10:19 AM

PO1 Roger Waddle — Tue, 20 Sep 2016 10:19:37 -0400

This is bullshit, I don't care what color you are you are my brother or my enemy, we need less African ,Asian,Mexican Americans and more AMERICANS, now quit whining and be damn proud to be an American

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Sep 20 at 2016 11:54 AM

PO1 William "Chip" Nagel — Tue, 20 Sep 2016 11:54:56 -0400

White Privilege Exist, Sure. To say otherwise is to completely blind to what is going on in this country. White Supremacy, There are those that want to maintain the Status Quo which provides for White Privilege. Put me down for Yes and Maybe.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 20 at 2016 1:05 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 20 Sep 2016 13:05:54 -0400

I don't think this is the right place for this topic.

All these questions do, along with all the political questions, is drive a wedge in a community in which we must rely on each other 100%, unequivocally, without doubt.

Not only that, you are singling out and by proxy throwing accusations at one race, which has the tendency to be labeled racist by today's standards. This has EO/SHARP written all over it.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 20 at 2016 4:30 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 20 Sep 2016 16:30:03 -0400

I don't believe that a simple yes or no answer to either of these questions is going to be accurate. White privilege does exist, however it is just one of many different types of privilege or advantage out there. Those of us who grow up in stable homes have an advantage, those of us who went to good schools have an advantage, those of us who had good role models have an advantage, those of us who had adults in our lives willing to take time and mentor us had an advantage, those of us whose parents could afford to pay for college had an advantage, those of us who traveled and/or experienced different cultures have an advantage. There are hundreds of things that could have happened or not happened to you that can give you an advantage or disadvantage in life... placing an inordinate amount of emphasis on just one of those things isn't helpful.

White supremacy is an absurdity in my opinion. Each of us have unique talents and interests, skin color is a pretty crappy indicator of who has what talents and interests. That is especially true in the US where almost all of us are mixture of many different peoples.

Response by CPO Amb. Terry Earthwind Nichols made Sep 20 at 2016 5:26 PM

CPO Amb. Terry Earthwind Nichols — Tue, 20 Sep 2016 17:26:55 -0400

Yes and yes d*mn it! I do not allow such goings in my people both in and out of the USN.
Enough said...

Response by A1C Lisa Casserly made Sep 20 at 2016 6:03 PM

A1C Lisa Casserly — Tue, 20 Sep 2016 18:03:26 -0400

No, I think that its great to be open and honest and ask these questions. If we don't, how do we learn? If we don't, how can we grow and move past stuff?? So, does white privilege exist? I think that for some people, it does. For those who grow up in a wealthy family like the Kennedys, that yes, it does. They have little to worry about, in the eyes of the vast majority of the population. They will always have food on the table. Not only a roof over their head, but a mansion. They have fancy vacation homes, the most fashionable clothes with the "right" label inside the collar. They can go on ski trips for Christmas vacation and to great locations for Spring Break. They have money to burn. They will never worry about affording to go to college, or having a new car or the trendiest gadget, etc. Not like the rest of us. But, please remember that there are MILLIONS of plain, ordinary white folks out there, just like you, who have to work for a living. Who don't get anything they don't work hard for or pay for. I don't think I have EVER gotten anything as "white privilege".

Now, White Supremacy, on the other hand, IS a whole other issue!! First, you have to look at it from two points of view, I'm not sure which way you meant your question/comment.

The first way would be that Whites are really BETTER, i.e, White Supremacy. In that case, no. I don't believe its a real thing. Our Constitution says that ALL MEN ARE CREATED EQUAL. That's a simple, common sense thing, and that's what I believe. No matter the color of your skin, or hair, the vast majority of us (and I say it this way because sometimes, thru no fault of their own, a child will be born who is somehow is... forgive me for phrasing it this way, but isn't perfect, is damaged in some way) are born with the same shape body, the same fully functioning brain, etc. And, white/Asian/black/etc, it doesn't matter. You peel off the skin and hair, and we all look the same. We all want the same things, right? A home to live in. A roof over our head to protect us from the weather. We want food to eat and enough clothes to wear to fit into our environment and be comfortable. We want to feel safe. We want to love and be loved. We want opportunity to grow, opportunity for our children to have a bright future. We want a job where we feel fulfilled and that we make a difference. World wide, this is the same!!

The second way shouldn't be, but it is. Not that whites ARE better than anyone else, but there will always be people who feel that "their own kind" are better than others. And its a dangerous position. Because once you feel you are better than someone else, its way easier to hurt them and not care. And of course this is not limited to people with pale skin. Look at the world today. You don't even have to look to HISTORY, you can see it out there in the world as it is right now, today!! Democrats feel they are superior to Republicans. The Muslims think they are better and should have more rights than Infidels. Catholics feel they are better than Lutherans. Lutherans feel they are better than Catholics, and still haven't forgiven them for the Inquisition. Some whites feel they are better than blacks. Some blacks feel they are better than whites. Sunnis feel they are better than Shiites... and the list goes ON AND ON AND ON!!! Its just sad. How will we EVER have a peaceful world when this is still going on??

I mean, I just don't know. Other than to TALK. To speak honestly and openly with one another. To make friends. Because you don't hurt your friends, right?? I mean, I sometimes say tacky things, but I never mean to hurt someone.

Response by SCPO Randy Breidel made Sep 20 at 2016 8:23 PM

SCPO Randy Breidel — Tue, 20 Sep 2016 20:23:42 -0400

It took me several months of honest conversation with my daughter to get to this conclusion, and I think the biggest obstacle I had to get over was that just because I was doing everything in my career as a leader to ensure there was no discrimination, and equal oppurtunity for positions of leadership was always a priority, had nothing to do with white privilege and whether I believed it existed, and comes from the person who walked in those shoes, did he receive less tax dollars spent on his school education because of where he/she lived. How they were viewed by law enforcement walking or driving to and from work or school.
If you are asking does white privilege exist in the military, then what you are really asking is, IS THERE FAVORITISM toward whites over blacks and that is Discrimination, and the answer is ABSOLUTELY YES But from what I can see it has gotten better but that would be command to command and if it is blatent you have options with Command EO, Base EO.
Is there White Supremecy in the Military YES again if you see something say something become familar with the tattoos just like you would of certain gangs.
With all that being said it is possible for anyone with the right attitude, work ethic, professionalism and drive to achieve anything in the military Best of Luck, to change the military, you have to stick around long enough to make a difference.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 20 at 2016 10:08 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 20 Sep 2016 22:08:56 -0400

White privilege, GTFO. Let talk about that. Can we talk about the fact how can get into colleges with lower scores than other people of another color. Oh, wait no, non whites can get into colleges even with lowers SATs scores just because they are not white. Lets talk about how white people are knowing and openly allowed to have White entertainment television network, Ivory magazine, what about the National association of white people? Oh, wait nope. College scholarships for white people only? Damn missed again. Centralized Promotions that require a specific amount of minorities even though there are more qualified people. If you ask me there IS privilege, but its not white privilege. More cops kill white people than anyone else, so where is White Lives Matter. If we truly want to be a colorblind society, than we need to be colorblind. Of course, I will get flamed for this, because well my "white privilege".

We fought against segregation in the 60s, and now the very groups that we wanted to help be desecrated have segregated themselves for attempted benefits, and social causes, and cry about how they are viewed different. If we want to end racism, outrages then just stop. We can all be equal, but some groups don't want it, even when they cry for it.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 20 at 2016 10:50 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 20 Sep 2016 22:50:48 -0400

No. It is a myth that has been advanced by the left to demonize white people for sins of over 160 years ago. The biggest mistake people make today is to impose our values of today on society of the 17 and 1800's. If "white privilege" exists then so does "black entitlement". You can't have one with out the other. I could easily make the case that some people feel entitled to special treatment because of skin color, gender, and orientation. I have been denied opportunities because I am a white middle aged male.

Response by PO1 T.M. Ritchie made Sep 21 at 2016 1:00 AM

PO1 T.M. Ritchie — Wed, 21 Sep 2016 01:00:11 -0400

White privilege and white supremacy only exists in the minds of minorities who use it as an excuse for their own failures. White people exceed more because they adhere to the normal rules of society including proper social conduct, excepted decorum and actions. They are brought up that way. I would suppose if you asked this same question to a Chinese or an Indian they would laugh because they are one of two of the races that there are more of than all of us others combined. Stop listening to those who preach black liberation theology. Their only purpose is to keep races divided for their own profit.

Response by Candy Alkaabi made Sep 21 at 2016 1:19 AM

Candy Alkaabi — Wed, 21 Sep 2016 01:19:55 -0400

It does exist to an extent, it is for the "right kind of white". I was profiled before I became muslim for not being the "right kind" and still am after I started covering. It started as a way to control the "less desirables" some of those groups they wanted to control (and still do) are white but not the "right kind" of white. It is more of a selective process that is ruining lives and many pay dearly for it. We are all one race and that is human. Those in power want us divided so we wont be able to fight them in one group, to them smaller groups targeted means less people to deal with when answering to their atrocities.

Response by Cpl Ray Frigerio made Sep 21 at 2016 9:34 AM

Cpl Ray Frigerio — Wed, 21 Sep 2016 09:34:48 -0400

Absolutely, yes and No. It exists. Not so much in an Institutional way ie; College admissions, jobs etc , in general practice these places don't discriminate on any individual basis. But the "ripple effects " of systemic racism are still ebbing and flowing through society ;racist policies of the past affect the people of today in where they live , how their personal and community economies thrive and falter leading to despair, anger and eventually even crime , which of course gives rise to distrust ,generalizations and even animus by the "powers that be " .
I will say this though , those same "powers " don't care one bit who is white or black in their grand scheme of things , one look at Flint or Appalachia and the Ohio river valley to know that being white has never kept them from pulling the rug out from underneath a group of people.

Response by SSgt Jonathan Dickey made Sep 21 at 2016 9:40 AM

SSgt Jonathan Dickey — Wed, 21 Sep 2016 09:40:17 -0400

White supremacy is a racist philosophy that some whites have that makes them feel better than everyone else. White privilege is a racist philosophy that some non-whites have to make themselves feel better about why they are not doing better in the world than they are. In other words both are racists philosophies. If we are to work together as one we must come together as one as leave these concepts behind.

Response by CPT Adam P. made Sep 21 at 2016 9:58 AM

CPT Adam P. — Wed, 21 Sep 2016 09:58:36 -0400

When you see this, do you see white privilege? Would any other race be given the same sentence?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ecTN4UlBTj0

Whiteman Rapes 8 year old Gets 30 days In Jail for Child Rape Molestation White Lives Matter!

http://www.kspr.com/content/news/shooting-charges-laquey-vincent-sansone-jr-391628431.html

Response by TSgt Steve Carter made Sep 21 at 2016 2:32 PM

TSgt Steve Carter — Wed, 21 Sep 2016 14:32:51 -0400

There's white privilege; there's black privilege, Asian, Latin, Middle Eastern, et al. WOMEN have to go completely off the grid, losing all contact with humanity to lose their privileges. There are cultural advantages to any demographic, depending on where you are and why.

Response by Cpl Justin Goolsby made Sep 22 at 2016 10:58 AM

Cpl Justin Goolsby — Thu, 22 Sep 2016 10:58:22 -0400

Do I believe white privilege exists, no. Do I believe white supremacy exists, yes.

Now to elaborate, no, I do not believe whites are superior to any other color, which I believe your 2nd question is inferring. But I do know that white supremacy groups exist. I do know racism and prejudice exists.

Here's the reason I do not believe white privilege exists. I grew up in the ghetto. I had 7-9 locks on my door and a wooden beam across it to keep people from kicking it down. My neighbors were crackheads and they have repeatedly tried breaking into my apartment to rob us or because they were just strung out. Did I mention my neighbor was white??? Because crack is stereotyped as a black drug, but addiction doesn't care about skin color. But that's a sample of the neighborhood I grew up in.

My mom worked double and triple shifts to get us out of that neighborhood. Sometimes we didn't see her come home. Sometimes we had to get ourselves ready for school. Sometimes we had small Christmases. Eventually we got out.

So I resent when my black friends tell me (and they have) that I only got out of the bad neighborhoods because of my skin color. Completely negates the struggles we endured to get out of it.

I've been stopped and frisked simply for walking. I've been in the back of a police car for no other reason than I was out late at night and looked suspicious. I obviously came out alive in my encounters, but I've also complied with every command. Addressed them in respectful tones. Made no sudden moves etc.

I've had people follow me around in stores because I'd take extraordinarily long making a decision sometimes and they think I'm stealing. Or maybe it was because I'm wearing my baggy coat or hoodie. I didn't take offense, I knew they were watching me and why.

This is just a small sample of why I don't believe white privilege exists. Everyone has their own prejudices, but I have never benefited from the color of my skin. To think a white man can't feel the sting of discrimination or prejudice is ridiculous. If any guy goes to a crowded playground without a child, watch every parent start looking at him like a pedophile. Hell, even when I do bring my daughters to the playground I feel uncomfortable and unwanted because all the mothers around instantly look at me like a predator.

Everyone experiences prejudice and discrimination. It's how we let it shape our lives that determines our worth as human beings. We either wallow in it and let it define us or rise above it and prove them wrong. The only one who can define your worth is you and you alone.

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Sep 22 at 2016 11:15 AM

CSM Darieus ZaGara — Thu, 22 Sep 2016 11:15:29 -0400

The phrase "White Supremacist" is an Oxymoron! There is no one being supreme to another. We do have racism and bigotry of all sorts in our society, it is a bug that is seemingly impossible to stamp out like Cockroaches!!! All we can hope for is to ensure that our laws and those that enforce them do so by treating all people equal, presume nothing and refrain from their own personal biases. People can coexist peacefully they do not hav to like one another, just respect!!! I will get off my soap box, if you serve in the military and you cannot hold yourself at bay then you should probably find another profession, as in the profession of arms we are all equal, brothers and sisters.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 22 at 2016 3:50 PM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 22 Sep 2016 15:50:21 -0400

I did not answer the second part of your question.

White supremacy does not exist. Unfortunately, people who believe it does do exist.

Response by TSgt Jim Gregg made Sep 22 at 2016 6:03 PM

TSgt Jim Gregg — Thu, 22 Sep 2016 18:03:02 -0400

One of the problems that come with defining "white privilege" is defining what privilege means. Does it mean that somehow I got something due to my race? I will say that in order to acknowledge that "white privilege" exists we have to examine how race played a factor in whether others received the same opportunities that I received. For instance, if I walk in to a department store with two of my friends who are white, does the manager, who is also white, take notice and keep an eye out on my friends and I. Would it make a difference if we were were people of color? When I was in the military, I usually said "The only color I see is green". But I am sure that I had prejudices, they just were hidden, either conscious or unconscious. So yes, I do believe that " white privilege " exists to a certain extent, because unfortunately prejudice exists.

Response by SPC Kevin Ford made Sep 25 at 2016 7:07 PM

SPC Kevin Ford — Sun, 25 Sep 2016 19:07:01 -0400

Yes, and I believe race is one of the many types of privilege we encounter. Having said that, I believe people will always be resistant to accepting it because acceptance calls into question one of our most cherished beliefs, that we are self made.

I have a reasonable understanding of this line of thinking because I too used to think this way. I joined the Army when I was 17, got an Associates, then a Bachelors and finally an MBA all while working full time. I have started two small businesses and been reasonably financially successful. It makes me feel great about myself to think of all the success I have received is all from my earlier sacrifices. I, like many other successful people, worked hard. It's a great story.

But here's the rub. I grew up in a middle class suburb with a good school system, parents who were supportive of education, in a wealthy country with lots of opportunity and "crime" happened when we threw rotten apples at the neighbors house before Halloween. That's just the financial advantages. When I was younger I got a couple of speeding tickets and never once did it enter my mind that those stops would end any other way than me driving off mad at myself for getting it.

As soon as we acknowledge something like white privilege or any outside advantage, it by necessity calls into question the idea that we are completely self made. Sure we impacted our destiny but now we have to acknowledge some of what got us to where we are today was due to factors entirely not in our control, things we didn't do but were handed to us. We suddenly are not so great, not so comparatively successful, if we find out we were given a huge head start in a race. For many, the idea of white privilege is a direct attack on who they see themselves to be, so there will always be strong opposition to the idea.

But yes, there appear to be very real advantages to looking the way I look.

Response by MAJ Glenn Bergeron made Sep 29 at 2016 12:25 PM

MAJ Glenn Bergeron — Thu, 29 Sep 2016 12:25:37 -0400

White privilege exists in this day and age as much as black privilege or hispanic privilege or (insert group name here) privilege . . . There are some who believe in white supremacy just as there are those who believe in black supremacy or hispanic supremacy or (insert group name here) supremacy . . . Thankfully in ALL cases it is a tiny, uneducated, ignorant part of those societies . . .

Response by Sgt Kelli Mays made Oct 4 at 2016 2:00 PM

Sgt Kelli Mays — Tue, 04 Oct 2016 14:00:40 -0400

SGT Private RallyPoint Member of course it does....there are always going to be some White people who will think they are privileged...think they are Supreme....look at those crazy "skin heads." They think Whites are Supreme over all other races....and then you have the White Rich Elite...like Hillary Clinton and others like her....UNFORTUNATELY, there will always be people who are going to be like this...

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 7 at 2016 9:58 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 07 Oct 2016 09:58:16 -0400

White supremacy is a fools idea. No matter what race you think you are we are all American and have the ways to become a better member of society. True some people have it easier than others because they worked for it. Kids are the Future of this country so I am very involved in their lives. One thing I teach my boys are that is to learn for the past and others mistakes. A wound can not heal if you keep picking at it. You are not entitled nothing and must earn your way in life. And respect and love your country and defend others who can not defend themselves.

Response by SSG Jessica Bautista made Oct 11 at 2016 6:14 AM

SSG Jessica Bautista — Tue, 11 Oct 2016 06:14:17 -0400

Just an observation:
1. Not many people understand what white privilege is.
2. From what I can see, everyone denying white privilege is white.
3. If anyone were to be able to choose their race based on social advantages, I guarantee that white will be a popular choice.
4. By avoiding talking about race, it is essentially confirming racial disparity exists. POC (Who actually look like POC) know this.

For a little transparency, I grew up kinda privileged. Educated parents and middle class. I have also been homeless. Enlisting in the military, I did not think would be any more difficult for me as a minority. It became clear to me that white was the default race in America, and anything that reminds people that you are not makes people uncomfortable.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 13 at 2016 9:00 PM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 13 Oct 2016 21:00:06 -0400

Yes to the first....duh to the second. All you have to do is go to the FBI website and look up the domestic terrorist groups. Half are white supremacists. Kind of rhetorical that second part.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 14 at 2016 3:19 PM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 14 Oct 2016 15:19:42 -0400

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Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 15 at 2016 4:22 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 15 Oct 2016 16:22:35 -0400

I recently served as a Battalion-Level EO NCO in the 310th MI Battalion here on Fort Meade.

I'm going to attempt to answer this based on MY own view of this situation.

According to Peggy McIntosh, whites in Western societies enjoy advantages that non-whites do not experience, as "an invisible package of unearned assets".[1] White privilege denotes both obvious and less obvious passive advantages that white people may not recognize they have, which distinguishes it from overt bias or prejudice. These include cultural affirmations of one's own worth; presumed greater social status; and freedom to move, buy, work, play, and speak freely. The effects can be seen in professional, educational, and personal contexts. The concept of white privilege also implies the right to assume the universality of one's own experiences, marking others as different or exceptional while perceiving oneself as normal.[2][3]

I found that paragraph on Wikipedia.

As a 33 year old white male - I have no fucking idea what she's talking about. I have been in the Army since 2002. I came from a small town in Southeast Texas where many of the people I graduated from High School with are struggling to make ends meet, have followed the local pattern of "get married, have kids, work dead-end jobs." Now - at no point in my life have I EVER been in any situation either in the military or on leave where I felt like I was getting better treatment that anyone of another race. At all.

I had to work to obtain what I have now. I'm nearly at the 15 year mark in federal service, all of which I experienced with the same standards, trials, and tribulations as those around me. I have suffered through my 20s with my own terrible financial management skills and have recently begun to turn that situation around, I have been busting my ass to get through my Bachelor's degree.

Sure, I haven't fallen victim to any direct racism or discrimination at all - at least not that I was aware of. I also grew up in a small-town environment where I was around mostly whites. Crime rates were low. We were low-middle class/poor.

But when someone comes to me and says, "White Privilege?"

Since we're being frank?

Are we talking about my "privilege" of actually working and doing something with my life so I can pay taxes to feed the burgeoning welfare system? Is that my "white privilege?"

I think this term and the theory behind it are another excuse that's being used by hordes of lazy people who are in shitty situations - sometimes of their own making - and instead of considering the possibility that 1) they may be there due to their own actions 2) they don't want to do the work to change their situation or 3) they feel that blaming others is better than accepting responsibility for their own choices - they've invented a whole new "phenomena" to complain about and redirect discussions away from the actual core issues they face.

So - no - I don't know what this "white privilege" is because I have yet to realize any benefits from it. Nor do I fundamentally think or agree that I should have any based solely on something as arbitrary as my skin color.

We each deserve that which we earn through our own merit, ability, and work.

Anyway - that's my opinion.

JCG

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 18 at 2016 11:03 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 18 Oct 2016 23:03:29 -0400

I would ask people if they how much they know about the 13th amendment and how it is used. I always want to ask if people know about Nixon along with his administration, Johnson and his administration and what was so significant. I ask people about War on Drugs, super predator, ALEC, CCA, Chicago and etc. A lot of people don't know about half of these things which is why they make a legitimate remark on my question about white privilege and supremacy. I'm being looked at like a bad guy for bringing this question up and people are uncomfortable and I'm wondering is it because one don't want to admit it's true because they know darn well it's true or if they're just to ignorant to the subject to answer the question so they just say how they feel instead of what they know.

I'm sorry, but if no one asks the hard questions then I guess we will just keep living like nothing is happening or nothing happened and we are just all happy go lucky folks w/ serious issues that no one is concerned about. It's just a question ladies and gentlemen, I'm not being disrespectful nor am I being rude by asking something most won't.

Response by PO1 Kenneth Cardwell made Oct 19 at 2016 1:43 AM

PO1 Kenneth Cardwell — Wed, 19 Oct 2016 01:43:01 -0400

Not sure what if it exist, but in 22 years Navy, I never met an Black Admiral. I met 2 black Navy Captain and many Commanders and other junior officers. I was in Iraq and Qatar and met 6 Black Generals (Army Air Force) and a black female general. i am still wondering why a minority has not played Superman, Batman, the Flash etc in movies. When I was in Japan, the children used to say when I had a Black Santa in the yard. "Look a black Santa and not just look a Santa."
Life is what is is when your are not the majority! just like when Elvis sung Black music, he made more money than the artist who wrote and played it before him. Many groups including EWF and Stevie Wonder put white faces on their albums to see more albums. Many wanted the black sound but not the black faces.

Response by MSG Jay Jackson made Oct 19 at 2016 1:15 PM

MSG Jay Jackson — Wed, 19 Oct 2016 13:15:44 -0400

Well as for privilege I will agree. Look at the crimes of some of the political class. All they do is say "I'm sorry." And off they go to the next higher job. Their color is irrelevant. Their connections are everything. There are others who are privileged, look at big time music stars, police escort to and from the airport. Wish I could get one to work when I am running late. Yes folks privilege is ingrained into our way of life. Veterans preference could be looked at as a privilege. So lets see ok MSG, you just retired with 25 years, get 100% disability and now you are a shoe in for that GS 12 job you were doing 90 days ago. How about spousal preference? Is that a privilege?
Now for White Supremacy, it is still there folks. We still have these goons in our country, but their not all white. See the link below to check you state for these hate groups, you may be closer than you think to some haters on both side of the color line. https://edit.splcenter.org/hate-map

Hate Map

892 Hate Groups are currently operating in the US. Track them below with our Hate Map.

Response by PO2 Sybil "TT" I. made Nov 3 at 2016 2:46 AM

PO2 Sybil "TT" I. — Thu, 03 Nov 2016 02:46:01 -0400

I'm curious as to what "White Privilege" means to you. But, in general, yes. There's no question about it in my mind. Unfortunately, it's very difficult for people who are or can pass as Caucausian to apperciate the depth and scope of it, because they just don't experience it personally. So, after all these years, I still have to explain to my own mother (white as snow) "situations" where she just can't see or understand. Me: "You saw what just happened there, yeah?" Mom: "No." ...then any of the following questions...Mom: "Why didn't they help you? Why did they just ignore you? Why did put you last? Why the attitude?" Me: (sighs) Cause, I look Mexican. Mom: "Noooo, I don't believe that." Me: "Then why?" Mom: "....." She still doesn't believe it, but can offer no possible explanations that make any reasonable sense even for her, and she's a master at justifications and excuses. I love and adore her, she's a great woman, but it's so hard for her to wrap her head around things she doesn't experience by nature of being white. On occasion the closes she can get is when she experiences reverse discrimination when trying to buy a taco in a poor part of town.

Response by David Wawrzyniak made Nov 17 at 2016 8:53 PM

David Wawrzyniak — Thu, 17 Nov 2016 20:53:24 -0500

Bullshity

Response by SSgt Boyd Welch made Dec 27 at 2016 9:07 AM

SSgt Boyd Welch — Tue, 27 Dec 2016 09:07:56 -0500

When it comes to the military, I don't believe in the existence of white privilege. I served with Hispanics, African Americans, Koreans and others. Some received higher performance ratings than I did, and some with same TIS and TIG were promoted before me. I didn't resent it. They had the same opportunities I was given and apparently did the most with it. I don't begrudge that. I worked harder and my time came. The military levels the playing field better than any institution I've ever been involved with. In the corporate world, things tend to be more subjective. We look to extend opportunity to qualified candidates. Sometimes it's easier than others but white applicants aren't "shoe-ins" for an open position or promotion. White Privilege is just another flavor of the month for the grievance industry, in my opinion.

Response by SCPO Lonny Randolph made Dec 27 at 2016 10:36 AM

SCPO Lonny Randolph — Tue, 27 Dec 2016 10:36:21 -0500

I am sick unto death of this privilege crap! I grew up in the slums, often went without chow since I didn't have the money to buy lunch. When I joined the Navy my shoes were lined with cardboard because of the holes clean through the soles. No one gave me anything and the only privilege I had was the privilege of living in a country where one can succeed if one tries hard enough. After I retired from the Navy I used my GI bill and went to college - 6 long years of night school while working full time to earn my BS in Computer Information Systems which enabled me to earn real money. In my experience the folks whining about white privilege are simply saying that they are too damned lazy to get off their arse and pull themselves up out of the mud. If you haven't succeeded you didn't want it bad enough, you weren't hungry enough, and you didn't try hard enough. I couldn't give a poop about your skin color - I worked for folks of all races, needless to say if they were my superiors it was because they had their act together and had advanced. Enough said.

Response by LTC Paul Labrador made Dec 27 at 2016 11:56 AM

LTC Paul Labrador — Tue, 27 Dec 2016 11:56:57 -0500

Privilege exists.....but I don't necessarily see it tied to being "white." I see it tied to whomever is in the majority. In the US, that happens to be white folks. Got to Korea, privilege is now tied to being Korean. Privilege is the same, color of the skin is different.....

Response by SrA Michael Magro made Dec 27 at 2016 2:21 PM

SrA Michael Magro — Tue, 27 Dec 2016 14:21:36 -0500

No White Privilege does not exist. If White Privilege existed I wouldnt be struggling to make it by. I'm on disability and it's tough to live. I do believe that White Supremacy exist, so does Black, Asian, Arab, Gay and Jewish Supremacy, it's just the Nature of Beast. Because people are so different, there would always be one who thinks they are better then the other.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 28 at 2016 12:11 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 28 Dec 2016 00:11:39 -0500

Response by CPO William A. Bullard Jr. made Dec 28 at 2016 8:54 AM

CPO William A. Bullard Jr. — Wed, 28 Dec 2016 08:54:53 -0500

The simple truth is that any corporate effort reflects the larger civilian universe it came out of. You will always have racism, end of sentence. it is simply impossible to pass enough laws to correct or expunge? all human faults without first making a prison out of our country, let alone the uniformed services, and very unhappy places to live. I remember racism when I first came into the Navy and the Navy of today is absolutely day and night different than the Navy of my youth; it is a much better place. The only way it can get better is first within yourself; set the example. Live the example; inside of duty and orders only insofar as you must under UCMJ do your duty but do not associate with the racist otherwise outside, socially. Something I must remember here is that outside of G_d and his Son all men have the capacity to be racists to some degree or another; it is a facet of our faulted humanity and must be guarded against and fought against; absolutely none of us are Saint Paul and we're not Joseph Stalin either. We're just human beings trying to get through, even the racists. Show him/ them the best way; be the bet soldier you can possibly be; and that's not easy. Peace be in your House

Response by SSG Terry Ward made Dec 28 at 2016 11:06 AM

SSG Terry Ward — Wed, 28 Dec 2016 11:06:03 -0500

While there used to be white privilege, very little of it remains in this country. From what I've seen the majority of time it only exists in the mind of the accuser. Now the the Klan has faded into the background white supremacy is rarely mentioned. But, racism does exist. It always has and always will. And this Black Lives Matter bull shit where it's ok to burn, loot and still everything in YOUR OWN NEIGHBORHOOD if you don't agree with something is taking this country in an entirely different direction. I wouldn't be superseded if we see a race war at some point. Jmo......

Response by SPC Jon Rogers made Dec 28 at 2016 2:00 PM

SPC Jon Rogers — Wed, 28 Dec 2016 14:00:48 -0500

In order to make any kind of a rational answer to this question, you must first define "white supremacy" and its corollary "white privilege". "White" refers to race and the other two words refer to ranking or ordering, making the combined concept a "SOCIAL RACE RANKING" idea. America was founded on the ideal of NO CLASS DISTINCTIONS, that all men (humans) had Equal rights in Society and that Government was instituted to protect those rights. Social "Questions" such as "Does White Privilege/Supremacy exist" are not really questions but rather accusations that our society has Racial ranking inherent in it. America does not. Americans do if they are "very carefully taught" by idealogs who are convinced that all humans do NOT have equal rights, IE Racists. You'll notice that in all replies to this question form up on one side or another of the question and thus, forced into separate camps. It is a 'divisive' "question" that serves a purpose as much as "Have you stopped beating your wife?" Fellow veterans, we have groups of domestic anti-americans who love to see us fight each other. If we are to hold a Class free America as our ideal society and goal, the only answer to this 'question' is "Only to a Racist." I for one, am blind to race as an element of Character, to which i pay close attention. You asked my opinion, these are mine based on the intellectual warfare I see in civilian life, trying to change our free country into a Socialist one. TANSTAAFL.

Response by MSG Jay Jackson made Dec 28 at 2016 3:41 PM

MSG Jay Jackson — Wed, 28 Dec 2016 15:41:34 -0500

White privilege, seems like a theory to make whites resentful of the hard work or break they got on their way to success. Don’t believe for second that you cannot come to America and through work and dedication achieve a good life. Sadly most would like stuff handed to them, here you go. Here is a 60k a year job cause of what happen before both our grandmothers were born. Rubbish! Or well I did not get that job, must be the mean ole white/black/Hispanic/Asian/ man again. All excuses to make us feel better about our lack of talent, experience or education. Now do we get discriminated against? Absolutely we all do at some time. When this happens get a lawyer or accept it.
As for the racist crowd, yup there be monsters here on that one. But folks they pay a price for their views. Most are scorned by their family or friends and most do not have great jobs. But I find them to be the lowest form of human life for they fail to realize that we stronger together, and no one is as smart as all of us.
This question has brought many different views to the surface. These questions serve to spur debate and hopefully get as many different experiences as possible brought out so we can see what the other guy or gal has seen. Hell it might even change an opinion!

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 28 at 2016 7:29 PM

COL Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 28 Dec 2016 19:29:51 -0500

No it doesn't exist. The liberals want you to believe it does, their agenda is so detrimental to the Nation it, in my opinion is on the borderline of treason.

Response by 1stSgt Eugene Harless made Dec 29 at 2016 3:27 AM

1stSgt Eugene Harless — Thu, 29 Dec 2016 03:27:06 -0500

Depending on the nation, society, or culture there certainly can be a privilege to belong to part of a majority, or more importantly there are legal codes that deny you the rights of others. Look at what the Nazis did. Also the Japanese were just as bad in their treatment of other Asian cultures and Europeans.
If you are looking for evidence of that in the US you really have to dig deep. There is absolutely no privilege or punishment for being one particular race. What I will say is that whatever "privilege" whites have are usually nothing more than having been given a proper upbringing by their parents. They are given a moral compass, a good education, a work ethic and a belief in family. People of any color with those qualities generally stand the same chances.
That being said there certainly are small companies and departments within larger ones where ethnicity plays a part in hiring, firing or promotions. But its not confined to just " the good old boys".
As far as White Supremacy. It is a personal belief that is certainly held by some, but there are supremists of every race

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 29 at 2016 9:18 AM

COL Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 29 Dec 2016 09:18:06 -0500

No, white privilege does not exist. This is a reason for those who do not want to work for what they want to just say that is the reason why they did not achieve whatever. There are many examples of people who came from poor backgrounds that overcame whatever obstacle and are successful. For example, Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas. A fine example of a man who overcame a lot to rise to the top of his profession.
There is racism on ALL sides, I have seen it for myself and been discriminated against because of my race. It is WRONG all the time. For white supremacy, there are two ways to take this. No, whites are not superior to others. There are some fringe groups that believe in this as there are some groups that believe non-whites are superior.

Response by Sgt Marbury Keys made Dec 29 at 2016 9:44 AM

Sgt Marbury Keys — Thu, 29 Dec 2016 09:44:59 -0500

Yes, here is one example, two men charged with the same crime, one black and one white, both are guilty - who do you think gets the most time? I know, never answer a question with a question!

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 29 at 2016 7:07 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 29 Dec 2016 19:07:59 -0500

White Privilege exist in the oil field that's for sure of Canada. 13 years ago my wife had a professional truck drivers license and she was made of a white guy driving the truck didn't have more than a regular drivers license. Why, because he is native Canadian First Nations that's why!

Response by SFC Dante Alanis made Dec 30 at 2016 2:17 AM

SFC Dante Alanis — Fri, 30 Dec 2016 02:17:39 -0500

It does exist. I have witnessed it intimately. I understand it and I don't let it taint my image of white people. We ourselves are culpable of taking part to an extent, unconsciously perhaps, but we all are culprits. Bottom line is that If we were all a single skin color, a single religion, a single nationality we would keep digging until we find anything that makes us different to discriminate in favor or against one another. Remember that the word discrimination has gained a negative connotation, but it simply means to separate or to notice a difference between one another. It is us as single individuals that make it "a thing". I am by no means a pacifist, but the only way we will all be equal is if we all TRULY treat everyone equally. Now what are the chances of that ever happening. At one point in history, the Egyptians were the privileged ones, and they weren't white. Certain tribes in Africa were privileged over others and they were not white. As a matter of fact, albino whites are victimized in Certain parts of Africa by dark skinned, and mutilated for religious beliefs and it's not front page news. I don't want to trivialize the serious issues that exist, but my analogy would be that I can walk into a party primarily made up of white people and either talk to them and show them I'm no different, better or worse. I can hang with others like me and continue to blame whites for not trusting me, or I can leave the party all together. What would you do?

Response by SFC Dante Alanis made Dec 30 at 2016 2:44 AM

SFC Dante Alanis — Fri, 30 Dec 2016 02:44:48 -0500

What does exist is privilege for the attractive, talented, or endowed. The fact that some see themselves and their attributes as undeserving is the root cause for any type of privilege. If it were Beyoncé, Jennifer Lopez, Michael Jordan or Alex Rodriguez next to you in the middle of the dessert and only room for one more in a car, who do you think would get the lift home?

Response by PO1 Rodney Bracey made Dec 30 at 2016 8:19 AM

PO1 Rodney Bracey — Fri, 30 Dec 2016 08:19:14 -0500

Whether we agree or not white privilege does exist. That privileged has dominated society, financially, spiritually, religiously, historically for hundreds of years and that power has been wielded to keep people of different colors, ethnicity, race, religion, financial and social status away from being equal. This country has routinely tried to thwart any attempts at minorities being equal. See COINTELPRO

But as a Black man, raised by parents who are still married after 50 years, who grew up in the south (Carolina), I was instilled with the desire to work hard for the good life. My grandfather was a ferrier/blacksmith. My father worked for USPS for 27 years. I joined the Navy at 17 and spent 22 years, 11 months and 4 days serving this country. I'm college educated and have hard skills as a welder/fabricator. I have a house, 3 cars, 2 motorcycles and I want for nothing.

The best way to combat this so called White Privilege is to not give into the hype surrounding it. Do good things, work hard, seek opportunities and live your life according to you and not based on societal norms. And be happy.

Response by SFC Terry Murphy made Dec 30 at 2016 10:01 AM

SFC Terry Murphy — Fri, 30 Dec 2016 10:01:34 -0500

White privilege? Yea I had it. I grew up in a great, hard working middle class family. I joined the Army at 18 because I didn't want to work on the family farm. I busted my ass for 21 years in the Infantry. After I retired, I was excepted to attend the fire academy and even though I had my rotator cuff torn in a car accident, half way through the 17 week academy, I graduated in the top 1/3 of the class. I was almost 41 when I graduated with 22 others from 21 years old to 44 years old.
My privilege was that I learned early that if you want something, you give 110% for it. That is the only privilege I have ever had.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 30 at 2016 10:24 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 30 Dec 2016 10:24:41 -0500

White privilege exist in Canada. If it Canadian white person's kids are running around outside Social Services will not touch them natives put him in foster care most likely yes white mom is drinking and neglecting your kids they will take the kids away but it's a native forget it social services will be all over the and the kids will be in foster care. Up until 1996 the social genocide in Canada kids had to be in residential schools from like 1950 on by law they have to be there to take care of tuberculosis crisis but it really was to take away their native culture cut their hair make them speak English. What happened is many of the kids got raped by the church leaders are none there.. They were forced to convert to Christianity Catholicism and protestantism. To this day, my wife is attacked by sometimes when my wife wants to go to a sweat or to the native traditions of the old ways are criticized by Christian natives today as being devil worship.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 30 at 2016 10:28 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 30 Dec 2016 10:28:48 -0500

my wife went to a day school. She was separated from the white kids. native kid sat on one side of the room serious if they disobey they were hit with a ruler on the hand. White kids did not get hit. the white kids have mental issues and talk to their parents about the Injustice having to their fellow students in the classroom. Eventually, these days schools for Native Canadian went away as well and no more of this. Now, Social Services finds new ways to destroy the family it has a double standard poor white trash gets away with it but irresponsible Canadian Indians get their kids taken away the first time they screw up. White privilege

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 30 at 2016 11:41 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 30 Dec 2016 11:41:36 -0500

I think it exists although to a small degree. I grew up poor and white, I know what food stamps look like and what welfare cheese tastes like. I grew up in an economically depressed community in the rust belt where most of the so called good jobs were factories that's made everything from cardboard boxes to engine bearings and all were in decline, laying off workers for a decade or more before finally closing. I was NEVER handed anything in life due to my being white... I enlisted at age 19 because I was tired of working 3 minimum wage jobs just to try and get ahead. I worked essentially all day six days a week at three different places and still had little left over after I paid my rent and utilities. I eventually got out and used my GI bill (before it was post 9/11) and earned a degree going to college full time while Working a civilian job at 60 Hours a week and starting a family.
I then used this degree to commission through OCS.

How was I privileged again? Any other race of person in the military could have done exactly the same things I did. Enlisting as an E-1 and making it to 04 via their GI bill before retiring.

So while I have never been given a single material thing or job, position, or title in life due to my race, some will always assume that I am somehow privileged due to the color of my skin alone. This view ignores my hard work ethic over many years to earn my own way in life.

Now let's look at my kids. They are half Asian and half white. They will have the money (through my wife transferring her post 9/11 GI bill to them) to attend a state college mostly for free.

Let's look at President Obamas kids. With his wealth and status, his daughters will get their college paid for as well, and at an Ivy League university.

As his daughters are already famous, and our society financially rewards the famous, his girls will likely make much more over their lifetimes than my kids could ever dream of making.

Now tell me which kids are "privileged" it's obvious, President Obamas kids are... but they are black, how can that be?

Because privilege exists more due to social status and wealth of the family and not due to color of skin.

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 30 at 2016 11:43 AM

CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 30 Dec 2016 11:43:54 -0500

It doesn't bother me but you can expect some lively responses, every problem in our World needs to be discussed because if we don't then we just accept everything as is and will never make improvements, I think most realize that there are judgmental and biased people in our society, I wish it weren't so because we all should play on the same level playing field, that's just not possible because even economically some are born in debt while others have a trust fund, stereotyping and preconceived notions are bad and cause problems, some is based on the locale and home environment, the key is how people in a certain class react, we've seen many great people of all backgrounds in the USA but I'd be foolish to think that they didn't have to exert themselves more, the color of one's skin has nothing to do with the qualities of any person but I can tell you that "white trash" is about the worst, I'm not going to amplify but any that have been exposed to them know what I am saying, racial or any bias does not fit in with the military, in my time in USMC we referred to folks as either light green or dark green Marines....and they all bleed red, they all have people that love them and want them to come home safely, they all have goals and dreams and to a man they all looked out for the men on their flanks, Best wishes.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 30 at 2016 12:51 PM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 30 Dec 2016 12:51:52 -0500

White privilege exists in the minds of those not white, ashamed of with what they where birthed, and SJWs. White privilege does not exist in the mind of those individuals that do not feel that they must justify their hard work and dedication to their personal and professional lives to anyone...much like me.

Response by Maj Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 30 at 2016 3:57 PM

Maj Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 30 Dec 2016 15:57:03 -0500

I guess there are millions of poor white americans who forgot to get their free supply of "white privilege". Do I believe white supremacy exists? Yes.. I also believe black supremacy exists. What people call white privilege is more or less class privilege which applies to all races... there just happens to be more whites in america.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 30 at 2016 4:01 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 30 Dec 2016 16:01:51 -0500

http://www.allenbwest.com/allen/shocking-statistics-about-black-slavery-liberals-will-never-admit

This article goes to the heart of inequality facing black communities today. I didn't write it, LTC Allen West did. Food for thought.

Shocking statistics about black slavery liberals will NEVER admit - Allen B. West -...

Appalling.

Response by CSM Thomas McGarry made Dec 30 at 2016 4:41 PM

CSM Thomas McGarry — Fri, 30 Dec 2016 16:41:20 -0500

White "Privilege" may exist in certain instances but in my military career I've also seen the opposite-NCOs who were afraid to enforce standards on soldiers of minority groups because they were afraid of being called "racist". I've also seen soldiers of minority groups who were quick to try to play the race card when standards were enforced. This is not to say that either case is a pervasive problem as in my over my 36 years of service I've served with soldiers of many races and backgrounds and the vast majority of them were excellent soldiers!

Response by SSgt Cliff Bowers made Dec 30 at 2016 5:12 PM

SSgt Cliff Bowers — Fri, 30 Dec 2016 17:12:15 -0500

In my last unit before I retired in 2007, my OIC was a woman, the Maintenance Chief and SgtMaj were Black and the CO was Hispanic. White Privilege? Nothing but a bunch of snot nose nonsense. I don't care who that offends.

Response by LCpl William Perry made Dec 30 at 2016 5:43 PM

LCpl William Perry — Fri, 30 Dec 2016 17:43:29 -0500

My view of white privilege is that it should be renamed to what it may really be. I say this as I now that there might be some places that do show favor to some, but I do not see it as a color or race thing. I have fought all my life and still to this day struggle with bills and all life has to throw at me. I have had bosses who have felt I have not fallen into their click, but as a Marine Vet I stand my guard and take no shit from anybody no matter the rank when I know I am right. With what I have heard about the concept of white privilege I should be living the life with no problems and have had everything handed to me but I can guarantee you when homeless for a year after my service, that I was given nothing and after a year was finally able to find a job. There is bias shown but I feel it goes far beyond color or sex to more of what they perceive is more of their social type or kind. As for me I will stay with my Brothers and Sister where we are all Green...Semper Fi!

Response by Cpl Joshua Caldwell made Dec 30 at 2016 6:34 PM

Cpl Joshua Caldwell — Fri, 30 Dec 2016 18:34:16 -0500

Well I grew up poor, I have eaten gov cheese, and I remember food stamps when they were little colored coupons. My neighborhood wasn't the sort of place that you should be after dark unless you were from there. I am the only kid from my cub scout troop that didnt go to jail. Somehow this was my privileged. I had an amazing realization when I took my SAT test (mostly to get out of wrestling practice) I checked that I am part Native American, and I am, but not enough to qualify as a minority. With that single check mark, I went from hoping to get into any school to actively being perused by Princeton from the Ivy League. I saw a great advantage to being a native American and not a bit to being white. See, when you are white and poor, nobody helps you. So I can say with 100% assurance that there sure wasnt any privilege in my world

Response by SFC Bobby Thompson made Dec 31 at 2016 12:37 PM

SFC Bobby Thompson — Sat, 31 Dec 2016 12:37:34 -0500

I think the military is an exception to society. In the military no matter your race you are treated equal and given a fair opportunity. But outside of the military there is a difference in how races are treated. A lot of this is based on the conditions of how one has grown-up, we emulate what we see growing-up. Sure the world is supposed to be equal and it is not quite there yet. But with that being said, blacks in the black community need to start taking ownership of this issue and working to improve their selves and provide better role models for their kids. A thing like this needs generations to change, but it starts with blacks growing-up, getting educated, following positive role models, and becoming a productive member of society. After your kids see you do positive things they follow your lead and do positive things and a new cycle starts.

Response by PO3 John Wagner made Jan 1 at 2017 3:35 PM

PO3 John Wagner — Sun, 01 Jan 2017 15:35:41 -0500

Most white supremacists are unaware of the identity of one or both parents...I hardly think they are a serious force to be reckoned with.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 2 at 2017 3:57 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 02 Jan 2017 15:57:28 -0500

I'm not sure that anyone could argue that there isn't people who believe in white supremacy . Outside of that I don't anyone who would agree with them. That of course does not mean that a large number of people didn't used to think this way.

Response by MSgt Carl Stokes made Jan 2 at 2017 6:05 PM

MSgt Carl Stokes — Mon, 02 Jan 2017 18:05:17 -0500

If it does I somehow got left out, are you supposed to get a card or something?

Response by CW2 Donald Kempf made Jan 3 at 2017 7:31 AM

CW2 Donald Kempf — Tue, 03 Jan 2017 07:31:05 -0500

Personally, I don't think of White privilege as much as economic privilege. Being poor, whether you are white, black, American indian etc. is much more of a hardship in my opinion than your race. It is funny, but growing up, I never knew I was poor, but my parents were always robbing Peter to pay Paul and while we didn't have bill collectors calling, we didn't have a great deal either. If you have money, you generally have the privilege.

I was a social outcast (Wrong side of the tracks) to the less economically challenged in my town (I cam from a fairly small town) and I'm sure that was also formative in my perspective on a lot of these topics. I'm now well off, not rich by any means but I don't struggle and live paycheck to paycheck anymore. And because I have some economic advantages now, I'm treated better than when I was poor. I'm not any better looking that is for sure.

One of the greatest things I found about the military, was it was one of the most race neutral places I had ever worked. We were all green and we all made it work. Sure there were slackers, there always are, and to be honest most slackers were white.

I also know that this perspective is my own, and that others, who grew up in different environments, have different experiences. So there it is.

Response by CPO Amb. Terry Earthwind Nichols made Jan 17 at 2017 10:32 AM

CPO Amb. Terry Earthwind Nichols — Tue, 17 Jan 2017 10:32:02 -0500

First, do not apologize for a responsible question. You have been taught to preface controversy with sorrow. Second, I'm sorry you were taught that. Third, yes and yes to your question and THEY were taught that too.
We get to stop the status quo with our minds together for the greater good and not someone's pocket book.
Be proud of who you are as a person and not what others want you to be. Being around the people you speak of, you would find that they too are caught up in something they THINK they cannot get out of and they are right because whatever you place your mind on will come to you.
The news is paid to spin the divide high enough to keep us from joining together but that too will change with the internet.
I'm proud of you and there many many more of us out here...

Response by SGT Anna Kleinschmidt made Jan 17 at 2017 12:57 PM

SGT Anna Kleinschmidt — Tue, 17 Jan 2017 12:57:47 -0500

There was a time that I would say no, but my views changed drastically when we adopted a black teenaged daughter. I could go to the mall with her and her friends and I would hang back a few steps. I have never been stopped like they have by mall security to search bags. Not when I was a teen! That was when I first noticed it. Her grand father was chief of police when she lived with us. He retired shortly after she left for college. She was home visiting to bring her boyfriend to meet us and they had taken us out to dinner. We live in an up scale neighborhood, the police had started following us as soon as we got into town. Her boyfriend was driving and had the window down the police followed and stopped him just a few houses from ours. The windows were up and tinted in the back so he couldn't see me and her dad at first, but as he approached the car he asked him if he was lost. He said no he knew exactly where he was going. And the policeman said well we have had several robberies in this neighborhood and that is when I leaned forward and cut him off and said they are taking us home. He immediately apologized and let us leave. That is privlige!
I never realized it before. I can walk amoung the biggots and racists and not be noticed. My daughter wears her skin it doesn't was off it is who she is and it makes her a target to those who still see POC as less. You may think that that is history but it isn't. This election has brought out many that still hate people because of the color of their skin.

Response by TSgt Kenneth Ellis made Jan 18 at 2017 4:22 PM

TSgt Kenneth Ellis — Wed, 18 Jan 2017 16:22:39 -0500

Yes there are children who have privilege. Obamas daughters and Trump children. But to lump all whites into it is asinine.

Response by Cpl Zach Wellborn made Jan 19 at 2017 5:08 PM

Cpl Zach Wellborn — Thu, 19 Jan 2017 17:08:18 -0500

I'm still waiting on my white privilege to kick in. So far in my life I've had to work for everything. Anything I have I bought without a handout. Maybe if I cried more about my skin color and got on welfare it would help.

I can't do that though, I have to go to work later

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 24 at 2017 9:22 AM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 24 Jan 2017 09:22:44 -0500

"Some".... I start with the word "Some". I think White privilege and White supremacy exists among those who practice it. As an African-American man who has experienced the damaging effects of both I can tell you that if it were not for my many White friends and family members who support me and practice brotherhood I would not be able to prosper in the United States of America or stay here. People who believe and subconsciously and/or consciously practice White privilege and supremacy know within themselves who they are and why they do it. It is hard sometimes, I believe, to escape racism but this doesn't mean it is impossible. I always try to use the word "Some" in everything that should be quantified as "Some". Some people are racists and some are not. I think if all African-Americans were to leave the USA Racism would still exist and even in a completely White society (all one needs to reference is how Italians and Irish people were treated when started arriving at Ellis Island). I also think that if African-Americans were to move to a predominantly Black country or Continent that the people there would find a reason to discriminate against them. With this I also think that people who practice privilege and discrimination would find a way to do so in a completely homogeneous society. That is, White people who carry this belief system would treat other White people who are a little different than the majority worse than themselves. Other Races would do the same. This does not diminish the unique situation that the USA is in. African-Americans have made significant contributions to the USA and the World. I would challenge anyone who carries a belief system that accommodates racism to completely remove from their life any good contribution that African-Americans have made that benefits them. They would need to alleviate from their lives any contribution a Black person has made in Medicine (open heart surgery - Dr. Daniel Hale or Polio Vaccine - Dr. Jonas Salk for instance), Science, Space, Sports, Entertainment, Literature, Politics, Law, and the list goes on. If one were to do this and do it well they'd be living in pre-historic times. I would also challenge any person who carries such a belief system to learn from themselves if they still would carry such a belief system after living homogenously for a few years. They would see that they too are susceptible to the same prejudices from people who refuse to use and practice the power of "Some"

Response by 2LT David Phillips made Jan 24 at 2017 9:30 AM

2LT David Phillips — Tue, 24 Jan 2017 09:30:11 -0500

This is race baiting bull-sh*t. Find me one instance where the color of your skin makes life tougher or easier for any of us, when compared directly against ALL the other factors that make life difficult. Skin color may earn you disadvantage in the behavior of some myopic racists bigot fools, but just add that to the list: politics, religion, family station, eye color, age, handicap, physical ability, mental capacity, emotional maturity, financial status, where you live, what your father does for a living, who you married, how many kids you have, the list is as long as my arm. Pick any one of them and choose to be a victim, play it out to your advantage, suck off of other people's hard work because you have a special status of "disadvantage in life".
God didn't make us unique so we could all be the same. Humanity has flavor. Anyone who tells you you're worth less, because of your particular flavor is doing nothing but showing who they are on the inside.
For too long I've listened to people whine and complain because they have it tough. NO PERSON belonging to the United States Army should EVER point at others and envy that other life. That's not what being a soldier is. Being a soldier is about putting others before yourself. DUTY, HONOR, COUNTRY! Standing tall and facing your difficulties with a strength and a resolve. Race-privilege is a construct created by the enemies of the United States to undermine our National Unity. This question is designed to farm useful idiots from among our ranks, so that Mannings, Bergdals, Hasan’s, Akbars and Snowdens' show themselves (float to the top) and can be considered for exploitation.
As a community, we need to shun military members who are prone to use FAKE-RACISM as a means to leverage their position at the expense of their fellow soldiers. It's a cancer in our ranks and should be removed from our dialog. (Actual racism should be dealt with like any other harmful mindset – no doubt.)
In my family, we handle our dirt in house. We work out our differences with an attitude of “what can I do different” and “how can I help”. Blaming others for our lot in life is not allowed – even if we are truly harmed by someone else! I mean, who isn’t? Time for everyone to put on their grown-up pants and start making a difference instead of being a distraction.
One more thing; in anticipation of those who would say, “You’re white! What do you know!?”. I would like to offer a word of wisdom: adversity doesn’t give a rat-turd what color you are. For every story my friends have, about how life did them wrong, I have my own. The difference does not end up to be the color of your skin, but the nature of your character. Sheriff Clarke, Ben Carson, Clarence Thomas, Herman Cain, Tony Evans, Dr. Abraham Kuruvilla, Gen. Powell, and others faced racism in their lives. Look up http://www.collectorsweekly.com/articles/war-and-prosthetics/ and talk to me about how a land mine doesn’t care one wit about what the color of your skin is. The fight to regain your life is just as challenging as making a life. Some of the most courageous people in the world take on the heavy lifting of their journey on this planet and meet it head on - but never seek recognition for it. Many of those people are war vets. Many fight their own fights without complaining, but instead, deliver action and success to the equation.
I am tired of the collective dialog on race. Do us all a favor and replace this article with something that makes all better, heals us, turns our hearts towards virtues like dedication, education, self sacrifice, trust, kindness, devotion to duty, truth, fidelity, courage and patriotism. Profile people like Alvin York or Benjamin Oliver Davis Jr. Tell us about people who faced hardship and won for their fellow soldiers, their family, their friends, their country. Don’t play the game you’ve been taught (or paid) to play. We are the men and woman of the United States Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, and Coast Guard (other lesser known but equally valued branches). Hold your head up. You don’t need to be ashamed any longer. All men and women are created equal in the eyes of God, anyone who tells you any different is deceiving you in an effort to turn you into a useful-idiot.

War and Prosthetics: How Veterans Fought for the Perfect Artificial Limb

There's something undeniably beautiful about prosthetic limbs, designed to echo the physical grace and mechanical engineering of the human b...

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 24 at 2017 11:46 AM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 24 Jan 2017 11:46:33 -0500

SGT Private RallyPoint Member there is no doubt that White Supremacy exists, along with Black Power and similar hate ideologies. I don't think the majority of people of a race should be held accountable for the actions of criminals.

White privilege is a different story. White males have a suicide rate about twice that of any other group. This is privilege? And what does it mean to look at what someone else has and want the same for yourself. Isn't that ENVY and JEALOUSY? There are plenty of people in the world who have more money than I have, better job, nicer car, bigger house and so on. But my self-worth is not affected by those who have more possessions than I have.

The most valuable privilege to have today is the Two Parent privilege. White children born in a single parent household are 3 times a likely to live in poverty as Black children born into a two parent household.

This isn't about religion. It's about morality. Being a man isn't about how many women you impregnate; it's about how many children you support. The incidence of children born into single parent households in this country is a disgrace, but for black children it's near 80%.

I cannot fix this problem. I can only speak to what I see. But if 80% of black children are born into single parent household, and the resulting poverty is blamed on White Privilege, then there will always be an underclass of people born into poverty without hope but only misplaced blame.

Let me add that others in this discussion seem to think that disagreeing there is white privilege is equal to finding the discussion uncomfortable. That is pure unadulterated bullshit. I'm perfectly comfortable talking about this issue, and pretending that I can't be browbeaten into submission to the PC view is crap.

My father's father was a Methodist circuit rider, driving a horse and buggy on a 6 week circle preaching in tiny west Texas towns. My father went to school on the ROTC's dime and then had to fight in WWII. My ancestors were poor in England and came to the US in 1710. They moved to Oklahoma too late for the land rush, went to Texas in time to fight for independence, and then back to Oklahoma in time for the dust bowl. In other words, they were dirt poor. I joined the Army to pay for my college.

Is it possible I got some tiny benefit from being white? Possible maybe, but as long as we have Black CEOs, Supreme Court judges, Generals, Lawyers, Doctors, Dentists, Managers of every time and so on, I don't think it was worth as much as the PC crowd would like to believe.

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 24 at 2017 8:53 PM

PFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 24 Jan 2017 20:53:04 -0500

I would have to say that "White Privilege" doesn't exist simply by saying if you don't work you don't eat. In the capitalist economy we have there is only one color, green. Saying someone has "White Privilege" is just an excuse for being lazy and not applying yourself to better your situation, whether financially or physically.

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 24 at 2017 8:55 PM

PFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 24 Jan 2017 20:55:46 -0500

I would have to say that "White Privilege" doesn't exist simply by saying if you don't work you don't eat. I'm the capitalist economy we live there is only one color, green. Saying that someone has "White Privilege" is just an excuse for being lazy and not applying yourself to better your situation, whether financially or physically.

Response by CPO Greg Frazho made Jan 25 at 2017 12:40 PM

CPO Greg Frazho — Wed, 25 Jan 2017 12:40:57 -0500

I think it's most accurate to say privilege as a reality exists. It certainly does. Like the guy says below, life isn't fair and the so-called 'level playing field' is something I've never witnessed, let alone benefited from. I'd add that most of us, if not the majority of us, didn't enjoy much or any privilege on our way up into adulthood and probably found military service to be an avenue of approach (escape?) to better ourselves and an opportunity to make a major lifestyle change. Otherwise, we probably wouldn't be on this forum debating this. And yes the question needs to be asked, so I don't begrudge you bringing it up, Joshua.

As military careerists, and I'm not entirely comfortable making this generalization, we're almost beside or apart from the issue of a class society. We are fond of saying, "rank has its priviliege", and it certainly does. Nobody contests that. But we're warrior class, which is kind of a subset or hybrid of middle class/working class, such as it is anymore in this increasingly complex and interdependent world. As members or former members of the warrior class, we're charged with defending the whole of this society, this culture and this nation, warts and all. Some days, and some years, that can be a very thankless job, as I don't need to tell any of you.

When you refer to white supremacy, I'm not certain if you're referring to white supremacists, i.e., hate groups. Unfortunately, those groups and individuals do exist and they are an embarrassment to our nationhood, to say the very least. If you're referring to the majority of Caucasians in this nation, yeah that's true IF you include the Hispanic demographic with the white people. If you don't, you'll see that the majority status of whites in the U.S. has narrowed significantly in the last couple of decades.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 28 at 2017 11:19 AM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 28 Jan 2017 11:19:45 -0500

Yes and yes

Response by SCPO John Millar made Jan 31 at 2017 9:02 AM

SCPO John Millar — Tue, 31 Jan 2017 09:02:59 -0500

I don't think there is a privilege on any race, my family immigrated to this country in 1959 my father came in 1957 and sponsored us, those is that could work found jobs ( newspapers delivery, supermarket, hotel maid and my father bricklayer.
We progressed I joined the Navy and retired 20 years later, my brother was drafted and spent 2 years in the army.
If a famil of six can do this why can't any one else not do it, we came from Scotland

Response by SGT Tim Fridley made Jan 31 at 2017 6:24 PM

SGT Tim Fridley — Tue, 31 Jan 2017 18:24:18 -0500

Honestly to me there is no such thing as White Privilege being from rural Iowa and 1 of 7 kids I and my whole family have worked to get where we are in life. In the Army I saw no racial privilege given to anyone we were all Green. I will say that the ones bellowing White Privilege are those that are living of of our tax dollars and never worked a day in their lives.

Response by CDR Lewis C Larson made Feb 8 at 2017 10:59 PM

CDR Lewis C Larson — Wed, 08 Feb 2017 22:59:13 -0500

I feel that the military is a great place for all races to prove themselves. Wonderful chance to work and study hard and show your stuff. I used the military to go to college (NROTC), learn to fly (Naval Aviator) and become a Naval Dental Specialist (Periodontist). I do not believe in White Privilege, an excuse for not giving your best.

Response by Sgt Heriberto Salinas made Feb 9 at 2017 2:47 PM

Sgt Heriberto Salinas — Thu, 09 Feb 2017 14:47:44 -0500

I YouTube, I go in to interviews, I work for a small corporation, I hang out at a cigar lounge sometimes. Yes, I believe I see and hear white privilege. It's sad, but racism is somewhat systemic in that culture. (As I'm sure it's in other cultures ). I used to be a sales rep for several companies, and I've walked in to an establishment at the same time with a big white guy, and have noticed that the manager or owner gives them the attention right off the get go, even when they were representing a competitive company. Attitude, body language, condescending tone gives it away. And I'm sure they don't know what I'm talking about.

Response by SMSgt Timothy Cathers made Feb 9 at 2017 5:05 PM

SMSgt Timothy Cathers — Thu, 09 Feb 2017 17:05:47 -0500

No and No.

Response by PO1 Bill O made Feb 17 at 2017 5:54 PM

PO1 Bill O — Fri, 17 Feb 2017 17:54:14 -0500

I believe "Apartheid" is over! What is your real question?

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made Feb 17 at 2017 7:34 PM

SSG (ret) William Martin — Fri, 17 Feb 2017 19:34:54 -0500

I am only partially white. If I had not joined the military I would have not earned my bachelor's or master's degree. I pretty much live pay check to pay check, but I have a mortgage, and a vehicle payment. Where did my "white privilege" help me?

Response by Sgt Marbury Keys made Feb 21 at 2017 3:23 PM

Sgt Marbury Keys — Tue, 21 Feb 2017 15:23:27 -0500

Yes and Yes! However, my first unit there were no issues. You will always that 10% Black or White, I did not forget yellow and the brown. We can overcome this through mutual service to each other and to the Nation and shared sacrifices. Peace my military Brothers. And we all serve an ungrateful master.

Response by SGT Lloyd Burge made Feb 23 at 2017 8:56 PM

SGT Lloyd Burge — Thu, 23 Feb 2017 20:56:42 -0500

The only place that I have found that white privilege does not exist is the military services.
Does white supremacy exist? I'll break this into 2 questions.
1) Are whites superior to others. NO.
2) Does white supremacism exist? That is a belief system that holds that whites are superior to others? absolutely.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 26 at 2017 12:11 PM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 26 Feb 2017 12:11:53 -0500

Yes on both points.

Response by MCPO Tom Miller made Feb 28 at 2017 12:14 PM

MCPO Tom Miller — Tue, 28 Feb 2017 12:14:36 -0500

I pray it doesn't! When I served, our goals were not deep into diversity but more into professional competency and leadership! We had advanced from a lot of segregation ideology into open progression for all sailors not based on anything but qualified scores and basic eligibility. Yes, there was elements that brought into military life that made progress slow and racial implement introduced. For one was President Johnson's project of 100,000 whereas, recruiting during the Vietnam war set standards for minorities could enlist with scores of 10% out of a 100 and basic qualifications reduced to a quota concept! Now this social engineering supplied contempt from both sides! No the monitors exsist and the minorities didn't learn trades! Hate and resentment was gathered by race! We are not a separate country, but standards should apply for all of us the same!

Response by SSgt Michael Cox made Mar 1 at 2017 6:49 PM

SSgt Michael Cox — Wed, 01 Mar 2017 18:49:29 -0500

In my personal opinion privilege is what you make. I grew up on a small farm and I mean small 2.5 acres. We had 6 head of cattle and horse that belonged to my cousin and some chickens. Every few years we would plow under the pastures and make a giant garden. I was on the free lunch program in school. Growing up I lived with my grandmother, father, stepmom, and four brothers and sisters, because my father was a felon after his military service and wasn't allowed to live unsupervised while on parole.

I think that everything starts with the parents. Growing up I was more afraid of my father than anyone in town including the 7'2" police chief. My father and grandmother both taught me to respect others but not to fear people in the community including authorities. I can't tell you how many times I got my ass beat or my mouth washed out with soap as a child until I learned to respect others. This included when I was caught shoplifting at the local grocery store at age 12. The police chief did the very kind thing looking back on it by taking me home and having me explain to my father what I had done. He watched my father beat the crap out of me and then told my father to have a good day.

I also think that White Supremacy and gangs are both products of parents teaching their children to be afraid of others be it the pigment of our skin or of authority. I think that when we do that we actually harm our children and cut or entirely stop their potential for growth and prosperity. I have actually met with some young minority adults that thought college was only for white or rich folk. Not realizing that if you are in need of help you are more likely to get into a community college because of all the federal education program grants. In my office alone we have 6 single parents that are student workers that have all their tuition, books, and fees paid for. All of them are on food stamps and TANF.

I think if we stop telling our children you wont make it in life, or letting others tell our children that because you are a certain color or poor you wont become anything and instead tell our children that you can become anything you put your mind to that a lot of the crap you see on TV would change.

Response by 2LT David Phillips made Mar 2 at 2017 2:17 PM

2LT David Phillips — Thu, 02 Mar 2017 14:17:12 -0500

This seems like a question that's fishing for radicals, rather than a legit discourse on race relations. It might just be me. Chances are likely it's just me. Just throwing it out there. Because if it is a question that seems like its fishing for radicals, then it would be prudent to know that the Army JAG, DIA, and CID might be curious about an active duty specialist caring about such large topics in a public forum, pictured in an official US Government Army Uniform. Just thinking out loud. Maybe this question might be best asked by the civil affairs unit or a civilian who is no longer on active duty. Best keep it in house. No judgment. Just friendly advice.

Response by PO1 Michael Garrett made Mar 7 at 2017 10:07 PM

PO1 Michael Garrett — Tue, 07 Mar 2017 22:07:11 -0500

Something like this is very tricky to answer. Racism has ALWAYS been a part of this country. I guess that is the price we pay for being the melting pot of the world. Perhaps there is a correlation somewhere between Old World European values and the rest of the world but I will leave that for another discussion.
As for the US, this country has become polarized over the past 25 years. We are divided now more than ever and not just along racial lines. Does white privilege exist? Not any more than Black privilege, Hispanic privilege, Muslim privilege, Gay privilege, and any other "special interest," privilege. Now, we as Americans, are less prone to compromise.
We have a US Constitution to guide us in addressing issues of inequality yet we have drifted away from it to the point that many here now question it meaning. We have split into all sorts of special interest groups who seek their piece of the pie. White privilege is used as a battering ram against those who stand for the Constitution and limited government.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Feb 22 at 2018 12:58 PM

SGM Bill Frazer — Thu, 22 Feb 2018 12:58:36 -0500

What privilege? We have the same rights, same education system, etc. If it existed then how would there be folks like Colin Powell, Allen West, Ben Carson and tons of the Black men and women who have led and changed the world around them. The ability is here for all- it all depends on what you do with it that matters.

Response by SPC David Willis made Feb 22 at 2018 1:05 PM

SPC David Willis — Thu, 22 Feb 2018 13:05:20 -0500

I personally don't see how blacks and whites could be equal in society when they haven't even been equal under the law for 50 years. There is still lots of white supremacy and not just in the south. Those white supremacists hold regular jobs as well so until they no longer are walking around on earth and are holding jobs where they can impact other citizens whether that's on a car mechanics level a police officers level or a politicians level I don't see how equality is even possible. People love to point to Obama as being prove that racism is dead but folks were burning straw dolls of him and hanging them from trees so not the best example.

Response by A1C Sandra Collins made Jul 14 at 2022 9:50 AM

A1C Sandra Collins — Thu, 14 Jul 2022 09:50:03 -0400

Hell yes it exist two rules of law period, black you die white you get a pat on the back for killing people that is a fact. I am so tired of seeing all the unjustice in this world we live in now. Does it take 8 to 13 white police officers to shoot a black man 60 to 137 times once the first bullet killed him? Why did police stand outside the classroom as children and teachers were being killed was it because they were white, hell no they were of color. It hurts me to no end that my brother died in Vietnamese territory for what? He served to protect these United States on for me and 6 other siblings to join the military in honor of him then be branded as a person of color and for what? My heart is heavy with the pain of all people regardless of race who are killed for no reason other then the color of their skin.
I have said enough.