Few things are more enlightening (i.e., eye-roll inducing) than listening to a privileged white man explain why white privilege doesn't really exist. The white man of the moment is the always insightful Bill O'Reilly.
In the wake of a debate with Megyn Kelly about the concept of white privilege (or, as he would call it, "an excuse"), the Fox News host offered his "truth" about it. Though he acknowledged that African-Americans "have a much harder time succeeding in our society than whites do," he said it's not because of some phantom hand holding them back. It's basically because they're uneducated.
His argument is that the Asian community is more educated and earns more than the white community. Therefore, how can this mysterious white advantage exist if Asians are better off than whites? This led to him pondering the existence of an "Asian privilege."
O'Reilly also acknowledged that slavery set blacks back, but believes that the black community needs to get over that, just like they need to get over high unemployment rates, corresponding lower high school graduation rates, and an abundance of single-parent households. Let Bill O'Reilly tell it, white privilege is as real as systemic racism.
The truth about white privilege is that it has allowed Bill O'Reilly to become no less of a "race hustler" than the black leaders he bemoans for doing the same. From the expression on his face to his condescending tone, the sarcastic way in which he addresses what he believes to be a non-issue proves he's no different. He plays the game; he fuels the fire. In short, him calling anyone a "race hustler" is a classic case of the pot calling the kettle black.
In reality, if you deny the existence of racism, be it overt or institutional, you're upholding it. Some deny it out of ignorance—pure lack of knowledge. O'Reilly does it for ratings. Worse, some of the ignorant actually look to him for guidance.
This is all laughable in an infuriating way, but, then again, should we expect otherwise from a man who all but salivates at the opportunity to antagonize? It's his M.O. That's the truth.
[via Daily Intelligencer and Fox News]
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