Understanding White Privilege in Today’s Society

Many of you who follow my blog know that I typically write about spiritual topics. I never thought or intended to enter the fray of injustice and inequality. But, God has a different plan. I trust that He will guide me along this path working toward justice. I hope to share the Father’s heart from a Kingdom perspective. I also pray that this positively influences matters of injustice and inequality in our society today.

I never gave much thought to the term “white privileged.” The topic is difficult to discuss. Many white people don’t feel powerful. They don’t feel they have privileges others do not. For those who have privileges based on race or gender or class, etc. it’s just normal. Random House Dictionary defines privilege as a right, immunity, or advantage. This is enjoyed only by a person beyond the advantages of most. Author Francis E. Kendall, Ph,D, in Understanding White Privilege: says ”Privilege is hard to see for those of us with access to power. It is also hard to see for those with resources. This is particularly true for white or male privilege.” It is very visible for those whom privilege was not granted.” This is not to say that every one feels this way, but there are those that do. What caught my attention is that “it costs”.

I grew up in the south in the late 50’s, 60’s and 70’s. I recollection of experiencing racism at the age of eight. I went to a mostly white school in the early 60’s. This was when schools began to desegregate. When I began third grade I was the only “black” student in my class. I was too young to understand the significant impact this would have later in life. During the first few years it was really difficult. Despite the bullying and feelings of isolation I managed to press through.

It was in 1965 that schools in Dinwiddie County, VA where I grew up began to racially integrate. I was among one of the first African – American students to enter an all white elementary school. What I didn’t know was that experience was ordained by God. A few years ago, the Lord made me realize something important. He showed me that this experience was preparing me for future events.

While researching for this post, I was unaware that Virginia had resisted the Supreme Court decision. This decision was in the 1954 landmark school desegregation case. It was Brown v. Board of Education. I also didn’t know that “separate but equal” facilities were inherently unequal. I sensed a sadness that I had never felt before.

The Virginia state legislature established an official board. It was the Gray Commission, named after state senator Garland Gray. The commission’s purpose was to consider its alternatives after Brown. ¹

Ten years after the US Supreme Court ruled in Brown II (1955), school racial integration was to proceed with “all deliberate speed.” Many school districts in states with school segregation gave their students a choice. They could choose between white and black schools. This choice was independent of their race. In practice, most schools remained segregated. Only a small minority of black students chose to attend a white school. No white student chose black schools._² My parents made this choice for my siblings and I believing we would receive a better education.

Fast forward to 2018, is equality a myth? In The Myth of Equality, Uncovering the Roots of Injustice and Privilege, Ken Wystma writes. “Racial bias is subject with many subtleties. Issues of race go deeper than we often realize.” He also writes, “Racism in the United States is worse than we thought.” This statement was mind-blowing because I didn’t pay much attention to the issue of race until the 2016 election.

As a minister of the gospel, I witness the current events taking place today. These events involve racial injustice, degradation of women, human trafficking, and slavery in other parts of the world. My heart is truly grieved to the point of tears. I know that this is not the Father’s heart. He is grieved. If you’ve never experienced racial injustice, you would not believe it exists. Society still judges individuals by the color of their skin. You might wonder how society still looks upon women with disdain. You might be surprised that some would sell people into a dark life of slavery. This is even though Christ died to set us free.

Racism is a heart issue. Degrading women and others is a heart issue. Human trafficking and enslavement are a heart issues. The Bible says, “Their hearts are always going astray, and they have not known my ways.” We are all created in God’s image – Imago Dei (image of God – Genesis 1:27). Galatians 3:28 says, “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”

History tends to repeat itself in cycles of sin. Everything that does not come from faith is sin (Roman 14:23). Sin pulls people away from what is right. They do not realize this affects their life, their family, their community, their nation, and their relationship with God. Join me on this journey of discovery. I seek to understand and share the Father’s heart. These issues impact many nations. “Godliness makes a nation great, but sin is a disgrace to any people.” (Proverbs 14:34)

Blessings,

Dr. Francine

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