Question

Latasha, a Black woman, is asked by her professor what Blacks think about a topic in class, whereas Emily, a White woman, is merely asked what she thinks. Emily is benefiting from__________.

Answer 1

Emily is benefiting from white privilege when her professor asks her for her individual perspective, while Latasha is asked to speak for all Black people. White privilege is the unearned advantages that white individuals receive in society due to their race, and acknowledging it is important for equity in education.

Step-by-step explanation:

Emily is benefiting from white privilege, which refers to the various advantages that white people gain in society due to their race, sometimes without even realizing it. In the scenario provided, Latasha is being treated differently by being asked to speak on behalf of her entire race, while Emily is afforded the individuality to speak only for herself. This reflects an institutional bias where the opinions of people from minority groups are often seen as representing their entire group rather than being recognized as individual perspectives. This phenomenon is deeply rooted in historical contexts and institutional discrimination that persistently advantages dominant groups—typically white individuals—in various aspects of social, economic, and educational spheres. It is crucial for educators and students to understand and acknowledge the presence and impact of white privilege to foster a more equitable learning environment where all students have equal opportunities to express their unique views and experiences.