An outdated perspective

                 The article White Privilege and Male Privilege by Peggy McIntosh describes a very accurate image on the 1980's and earlier than that. Upon closer examination of the notes section at the end of the paper it can be seen that McIntosh referenced a piece from 1949, thats 64 years ago. This paper was published in 1988 making it a quarter of a decade old. This particular piece doesn't apply 25 years down the road. Although the white male is very much "privileged" in today's society our culture has taken major steps in leveling the playing field of race and gender. There are now laws that prevent unfair hiring practices according to race and gender and other discriminatory practices. Times have changed but that doesn't mean everything is better there are still many things wrong with society but grievance numbers 24, 10, and 6. But also find number 9 oddly funny as that McIntosh's paper was published but I sincerely doubt that an editor will turn down a top notch paper written by a person of color or a woman than a lesser peper by a white man.
               I grew up in a school district where I, a white male, was the minority and then I came to DePauw. There was a huge difference going from the minority to the majority but the only real difference was the amount of white people and their dominating opinions. I find it funny to hear people talk about minorities and stereotypes, while I sit back and laugh to myself. I find this funny because they themselves are fulfilling a stereotype of a rich white college kid. In my opinion stereotypes come from experiences that stick with them, whether it be a personal interaction or media portrayal of a race. The reason why it sticks with people is because generally the loudest and most annoying people are recognized despite their race. But once the loudest and most annoying person is recognized the person observing the situation then associates the person's actions with the race of the loud and annoying person. All the while everybody else that is keeping to themselves and carrying on with their business in a less loud, rude, or annoying fashion are not seen. Once a person creates these stereotypes they will start to look for them in their surroundings. Someone once told me that once you get your first car all you will see are cars like yours. The same goes for behavior in a social setting.
               The only way to break these stereotypes and to end Macintosh's 40 some grievances against the white male is to recognize this and see it for what it truly is. That those who stick out are noticed just like a car going 120mph in a 40mph zone will attract the attention of a police officer more so than a car going 45mph. Once we recognize this we can start to mend the stereotypes in our society so no one is perceived as lower or higher in status because of race, creed, religion, looks, or gender.