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According to Peggy McIntosh (1988), which of the following statements about 'being white' is most accurate?

a. don't have to think about your racial identity
b. requires constant self-reflection on racial identity
c. is a topic rarely discussed in society
d. involves no societal privileges

1 Answer

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Final answer:

The most accurate statement about 'being white' according to Peggy McIntosh (1988) is that you don't have to think about your racial identity, which relates to the concept of White privilege, where societal advantages are afforded to white people as a part of the dominant racial group.

Step-by-step explanation:

According to Peggy McIntosh (1988), the statement about 'being white' that is most accurate is a. don't have to think about your racial identity. McIntosh's work on White privilege describes an invisible knapsack of unearned assets that white people carry. She enlightens us on the concept that white people do not have to think constantly about their racial identity because their Whiteness is perceived as the norm within society, leading to certain societal advantages, whether they are recognized by the individual or not. These advantages include being able to navigate through life without the constant burden of racial scrutiny, finding representation in most environments, and not needing to represent one's entire racial group in their actions.

Moreover, McIntosh indicates that White privilege exists institutionally, and it's not a matter of personal choice or desire. It is part of a societal structure where Whiteness is considered standard, which inherently grants benefits simply for being part of the dominant racial group.

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