Sex, race, and ethnicity relate greatly to power, privilege, and prestige in the United States today. A lot of things, such as a job position, equal treatment, and basic manners received from other people play on those traits. Many people in the United States are prejudice and discriminate against those who are not the same as themselves. .
In the United States, being male, white and upper class gives rise to a greater power, privilege and prestige. Having money, expensive possessions, and being able to act the part of a wealthy individual establishes a name for that person or family. For example, Bill Gates is known for owning Microsoft and therefore basically being a millionaire. Using him as an example, he is a white, upper class individual and therefore has power, privilege and prestige. He would receive a higher degree of treatment then say someone who was just middle class and white. Also, being wealthy, other people believe you have received a higher degree of education and therefore also earning the individual more prestige. .
Dealing with sex and race, if a presidential debate was between a black, educated women and a white male, even both from middle class, the white male would be more likely to receive the majority of the votes. This would be due to the stereotypical thought that males are smarter and able to handle situations involving pressure and quick decisions better then that of a woman. Also, a woman is viewed as less likely to be able to stand on her own and depends on a man to tell her what she should do in stressful times. Being black in this situation also does not help the woman. Black individuals are viewed as less educated and do not have equal status as white women. .
Ethnicity proves to also be another factor dealing with power, prestige, and privilege. A Hispanic is viewed as being lower class, less educated, dirty, and also coming in packs. This viewpoint would obviously give Hispanics in the United States a disadvantage over other ethnicities.
