White Like Me

I read the chapter “Privilege” from the novel White Like Me. I agree with Wise’s belief that people are affected because of the color of their skin. I agree that black people are burdened because of racism, and white people benefit from it. Even if a person is not racist, the racism of others will treat them higher than the black population. For example, in the school system, Wise claims that there is racism. He states that he has stats proving this, even though he does not actually include them in the chapter. He claims that white teachers are easier on their white students and are willing to make more exceptions for them as well. Teachers may admit white students into a test late and not allow any black students to arrive late. Wise says that studies show that teachers do not think that poor black kids are equal in their ability to learn as white kids. The curriculum itself is centered on the accomplishments of whites. Sure, a black person may be mentioned but there is no in depth study of their achievements.  On another note, Wise states that there is also racism involving the law. He says that he has broken plenty of laws, but he was never punished because he was white. The parties in white neighborhoods with drugs and alcohol even violence were never broken up. At the most, an officer would come up and ask them to turn it down. In the black neighborhoods these parties were never even allowed to start, with or without drugs. I think that there is some truth to what Wise has said, but I do have some doubts about it. I would be a much stronger believer if Wise had included the stats, which he supposedly used, to support his claims. In my experience, I have not experienced very much racism because the area I live in is almost completely white. However, I have heard plenty of racist comments and even witnessed a few incidents involving racism. I cannot validate the claims Wise has claimed because I do not have the opportunity to experience the things that Wise speaks about because of my location.