Privilege was written in 1989 by a very bitter black female who has had a tough time growing up in a minority group. I agree with many of the facts the writer presents in the article; however, I feel that one's attitude is the most important aspect in achieving equality. No one can change the fact that there are more white people than black people in the U.S., but blacks and all minority groups must realize that the majority group is going to be featured more in television and stores, but instead of complaining like a baby about it, one must stand up and try to make a positive change towards equality and fairness for all groups. Visualization truly did help me feel like I was the one in the minority, and I can better understand how minorities feel. This article was not written with the bitterness that Privilege was written, and thus had a greater impact on my feelings; however, I still feel that in today's world minorities can overcome these minute challenges and become just as successful as any hard working white American. Reading Shake made me sick to my stomach. I agreed with nothing in his article except that in today's world a less qualified black man should not be admitted into medical school over a qualified white man, but in 1979, black people needed federal help getting into mainstream America due to widespread racism like this man shows. Ironically, it is people like him that support the argument that Affirmative Action (AA) necessary in this country. I think WM exemplifies why AA is an unfair practice, but it fails to tell about why it is a necessary practice. I agree that white males are being unfairly discriminated against with the current AA, but this is the best way to give black people an opportunity to rise in socioeconomic status. Our white forefathers brought the black race down and now their children (us) have to bring the black race back up. This article, written in 1991, claims that it would take 15 years to until black people were on an equal playing field as whites, and I feel that we are almost at that point and the government needs to change the current AA rules to keep up with the time.
