Many points on McIntosh's list are things that I had never thought of before. It was pretty eye opening to realize that I do have a leg up in so many more aspects than those without white colored skin. Not only are the things on her list privileges that I have as a white girl, but privileges I have of being able to live in a suburban safe neighborhood. One point that really stood out to me was "when I am told about our national heritage or about civilization, I am shown that people of my color made it what it is."
It is deeply disappointing that we rarely recognize those people who are and were American citizens who helped to shape our country today, who were not of the white skin color. It is something that completely slips the minds of kids learning in school. We don't question why the people we are hearing about are all white. Because of the area I live in that is predominantly white, I do not know any other way. So, I think of everyone in history as white.
My favorite point of all however was "I can do well in a challenging situation without being called a credit to my race." That one truly stuck amount amongst all the others because I never realized but I feel like I do take part in that stereotype. When I see a white person who has done something well I don't say that is a strong and incredible or moving white person, however had the person been black I may have been more likely to give credit to that person for being smart, incredible, or moving on a part of them being black. Although I do it subconsciously it could very well be a microagression. People who are black could easily not only take offense but not find it true or applicable. Just because one person does something great does not represent the rest of the people with that same skin color. It represents only that individual and those who helped him or her along their way.
This was a great piece to read and definitely put me deep in thought. Although I may not have agreed with the entire list, I was able to relate and recognize many microagressions I have made in the past.