Final answer:
Individuals with privileges may deny and resist acknowledging them due to psychological defense mechanisms, self-interest, or belief systems. Denial of Responsibility and Denial of the Victim are strategies used to deflect blame and justify actions, contributing to systemic racism. Discrimination persists as it's often supported by exclusionary ideologies embedded within societal structures.
Step-by-step explanation:
Those with privilege may practice Denial and Resistance due to various reasons, including religious beliefs, self-interest, or as a psychological defense mechanism against ideas that are disturbing to them. For instance, White privilege refers to the advantages White people receive at the expense of other populations, and acknowledging this privilege can be uncomfortable or feel threatening to their sense of self. People with privilege might practice the Denial of Responsibility, shifting blame for their actions onto others or external circumstances, and might exhibit a superiority complex, even if unconsciously, which can contribute to systemic racism. The Denial of the Victim is another tactic used to justify actions by negating the existence or credibility of the victim. Additionally, discrimination persists even when not profitable because it is often driven by an exclusionary ideology that legitimizes the victimization of weaker groups and can be ingrained in societal and institutional practices.
Understanding the reasons behind Denial and Resistance requires critical thinking, self-awareness, and an acknowledgement of the structural elements of privilege and racism. By addressing these elements and striving for an anti-racist stance, individuals and institutions can contribute to a more equitable society.