MTV’s White People receives controversial response

MTV released the documentary White People this year. In the documentary, director Jose Antonio Vargas examines the culture of white privelage in different communities.

Originally, I planned to write a blog simply reviewing this documentary, but when I found the trailer on YouTube to include in this blog, the comments surprised me. Although they shouldn’t have.

The video received more dislikes than likes, and many comments defended white privelgage, clearly outlining the contraversy that exists around this show.

One comment labeled the documentary as being jealous. Another labeled it as anti-white rasicism.

These comments deny and minimize the plight of minorities or non-white groups within the U.S. It denies privilege, therefore denying the problem.

Comments also provide examples of color blind ideology by saying the documentary itself creates a racial divide. The problem with this mindset being that it ignores privilege, discrimination, cultural differences, and assumes we have entered into some post-racial utopia.

But, more than anything, there appears to be a misunderstanding about the documentary’s intentions. Highlighting white privilege is not an accusation of racism, and it is not meant to make white people feel guilty.

The point is to acknowledge and accept the existence of white privilege. By understanding your own privilege, change can be made. The thing is, most people are unaware of the privilege they were born with. Privilege often goes unnoticed unless you don’t have it.

Having privilege does not equate to racism, but it stems from a long history of extreme discrimination that has since become deeply-rooted in our society.

White People examines white privilege clearly. Listen and figure how you fit into the picture. Acknowedging racial divide is a more effective way of reaching equality, and recognizing personal privilege is a huge part of it.