~ by Eubie Drew ~
As far as I know, none of my 1st- or 2nd-degree adult relatives (all but one being White) have a criminal conviction. But I DO know of at least 5 who had contact with the #CriminalJustice system, that had they been Black would’ve put them in jail or prison.
THAT was #WhitePrivilege.
One uncle, in separate instances:
1. Shot out several street lights for fun.
2. Cut a hole in the floor under a vending machine, from the basement below, & stole the cash.
3. Created fake driver’s licences so underage friends could drink.
Caught all 3 times. No lasting consequences.
THAT was White privilege.
Another uncle has had several instances of:
1. theft (including at the state capitol building),
2. threatening violence,
3. and trespassing,
4. stalking of women (fortunately NOT in combination with 1, 2 or 3)
He has been able to avoid consequences because of mental illness.
THAT was White privilege.
Always received intervention instead of charges.
THAT was White privilege.
He lost several relationships, but no lasting legal record.
THAT was White privilege.
THAT was White privilege.
For years, I used to walk residential streets at night when agitated. I was young, muscular and rough-looking. No problems whatsoever.
THAT was White privilege.
We all got to go on with our lives. Because we were White.
What has been your family’s experience?
A counterpoint article has now been published. –>
Counterpoint to “White Privilege, My Family” by a Black Woman Expat
Eubie Drew is @EubieDrew on Twitter, Facebook and ALL internet platforms. Check out his BB&W posts.