9 Things That Scream White Privilege
From Ryan Lochte To Clip-In Dreadlocks: 9 Things That Scream White Privilege
Image: Shutterstock
Not that we don’t already know White privilege is alive and well, but some things scream white privilege more than others. Take for example Olympic swimmer Ryan Lochte. Fresh off the heels of his lie-filled scandal, in which he fabricated an elaborate story about being robbed at gunpoint by a policeman after a night out drinking in Rio, he really tried to pull a blame the (brown) natives type of situation. But Lochte’s lies caught up to him – and fast. And to think – he is just one of many recent and widespread examples of the powerful and harmful effects of white privilege. From the world of sports to fashion and everything in between, here are nine things in recent memory that scream White privilege.
AP Images
Ryan Lochte
The fallout for Ryan Lochte after the truth was revealed includes a loss of sponsorship from four major companies, including Speedo and Ralph Lauren. But prior to that, look at all of the ways in which he was protected. He’s a 32-year-old man, but was referred to as a “kid” who made a silly, perfectly excusable mistake. And TV personalities from Billy Bush to Matt Lauer let him off easy by saying he simply “embellished” his story.
Image: Free People
Clip-In Dreadlocks
For a little over $100, Free People offered their customers “springtime pink” and “neutral tie dye” colored clip-in dreadlocks. Adorned with mini faux flowers, these “locs” resembled hardened cotton candy more than anything else. This is being touted as a cool fashion statement. But the chances of these being banned by schools, like real dreadlocks, cornrows and other hairstyles Black people rock? Slim to none.
After receiving some negative feedback, Free People decided to remove the item from their website.
Image: Shutterstock
KKK Rally
In Houston, Texas, armed KKK members with Confederate flags and White Lives Matter banners protested outside the NAACP building. Claiming that the Black Lives Matter movement has promoted violence, the protesting White supremacists received protection by police officers. Not only that, these officers were void of the riot gear we often see police wear in cities like Ferguson and Baltimore during protests after unarmed Black citizens were killed by police. Interesting.
Emmaatan
“Chocolate” Spray Tans
Caramel. Chocolate. Dark ash black. Extreme. Swedish salon Emmaatan sells all kinds of spray tans for temporary browning. The company’s owner was criticized for selling blackness in a bottle, without any of the burden, but she denied any wrongdoing and apologized for the misunderstanding. Dark ash and caramel are still being sold, though.
Image: Apega/WENN.com
Anything a Kardashian (or Jenner) Does
The Kardashians may not go around sporting cornrows and calling them boxer braids, but some naïve publications are quick to refer to anything they do as new and inventive. Regardless, the Kardashians and Jenners receive praise for looks and styles that are viewed in a different manner for Black women. And let’s not forget about the time Kylie Jenner said, “I started wigs, and now everyone is wearing wigs. I just do whatever I want to do, and people will follow.” Right.
Image: Shutterstock
David Becker and Brock Turner
Both athletes, both young White men and both convicted rapists who got slaps on the wrist as punishment. Never mind the victims, these men are avoiding jail time so that they can peacefully move on with their lives. According to Becker’s lawyer? “The goal of this sentence was not to impede this individual from graduating high school and to go onto the next step of his life, which is a college experience.” Must be nice.
Image: Dennis Van Tine/Future Image/WENN.com
Melania Trump
Stealing a speech, referring to it as your own and not being punished for it? Peak white privilege.
