Araceli Aispuro

Section 1
2/24/2015
Reflection 1: White Like Me Refection

How has your understanding of white privilege changed as a result?

Prior to taking this course, I had watched this film, however we werent really given the
opportunity to discuss what white privilege really is. After watching the video and doing our
readings I have become more knowledgeable and aware of the challenges that people of color
face. I feel that my knowledge and understanding of what white privilege is will be achieved
through in depth discussion, and most importantly being honest in discussing how we feel about
diversity or other cultures, ethnicities, gender etc. different from our own. I learned that people of
color live at a disadvantage. While I have seen issues about race on the news, inequality, learning
about slavery and so forth, I didnt realize it was something that actually existed, or rather that it
actually had a name white privilege.
How does Tim Wises positionality as a White male influence the way people listen to and react
to this film? What does this mean for the work of antiracist educators?
I think that our education system does not teach enough about what role that white people
have played in fighting against segregation (especially during the civil rights movement). I think
this has indirectly created barriers among people of different ethnicities. I have also compared
how it might be different if a person of color talks about white privilege versus a white person or
Caucasian. I find that people might react differently and even misinterpret what people are
saying. For example, it is interesting and ironic that when Tim Wise talks about white privilege it

is much easier for him not to offend, both people of color, and white people and/or Caucasians
whereas if someone like Jose Antonio Vargas (who is an immigrant and person of color)
addresses this issue, he may be misinterpreted or viewed as a racist person himself. In many
ways I find that white people may feel guilty or that they have done something wrong while
discussing this issue and people of color feel victimized to the circumstances, which in many
cases may also be very uncomfortable to talk about. As anti racist educators we must be very
mindful and careful when talking about race, while still being honest about how we feel. I
assume that many people prefer not discussing the issue because they dont want to sound racist
or say something that might offend someone.
How do/can we as educators address institutional racism and become allies?
There are ample ways to address institutional racism and becomes allies. First and foremost, we
must be aware of who we are, and the biases we have towards other people that are different
(gender, ethnicity, background, experience, etc.) I believe we must start with awareness. Once
we are aware of our biases, then we take action to overcome them. We can address racism by
discussing past and current issues such as immigration, overrepresentation of English language
learners in special education programs, lack of resources in public school based on demographics
(SES, number of students receiving free or reduced lunch, ethnicities, background, location,
disabilities etc.), spread awareness, and in general, be color conscious.
How can educators create anti racist environments?
Teachers can create anti racist environment by learning about, and embracing diversity
in the classroom, acknowledging differences among students, making students feel comfortable,
getting to know students as individuals, and grouping students in a way that allows students to

get to know one another, and incorporating multicultural education into our lesson plans.
Because our classrooms may be very diverse it is also important that we not only learn names but
learn how to pronounce names to show that we respect everyone as an individual and where they
come from. Lastly, discussing racism in an age appropriate manner and educating students about
different countries and languages. Learning about and teaching diversity effectively is an
ongoing process.