Essay Example on What My Bike Had Taught Me About White Privilege

Introduction

Privilege is a real problem in many parts of the world especially in the United States of America. Jeremy Dowsett is a writer and poster in Lansing, Michigan. Mr. Dowsett wrote in his article "What My Bike Had Taught Me About White Privilege" about the lack of privilege that he experienced when he was on the road as a semi-driver. Mr. Dowsett related the lack of privilege that he feels when he's on the bake as the people of color in the United States feels every day. Jeremy Dowsett shows us how the privilege of the road is for the drivers in the cars, and the way they treated him as like he shouldn't be on the road. The roads are designed more for car drivers, not for semi drivers. Same as the United States's system is not balance for all the people. As Dowsett says, " The system is not neutral, it is not a level playing field, it's not the same experience for everyone. There are biases and imbalances and injustice built into the warp and woof of our culture. Not because you personally are a racist, but because the system has a history and was built around this category race" (page 987-8). He pointed out that the problem is not for the people it is for the system, and White people don't like to be called the "Privilege" word. They think when someone calls them that they are using their privilege, it's the same as that they are racists. All the white people are not racist, but the system is more for them compared to the people of color. Many time, the people of color don't get justice and the same treatment as the white people in the US.

The Road as a Metaphor: Unpacking White Privilege in America

In his article, Dowsett has used his experience on the road as a semi driver to illustrate the concept of White Privilege. His illustration enables the reader especially the white readers to develop a better understanding of the idea and not become extremely defensive when the term white privilege is used against them. He provides an in-depth analysis of the idea and makes his perspective about the issue by explaining the meaning of the concept. He uses a similar situation from a different perspective to share a personal experience with the aim of creating a personal connection with the target audience. He describes the inequalities existing between the whites and people from other races from different perspectives including access, and road conditions. He points out various damaging negative behavior that arises as a result of white privilege and defends his stand over the concept by arguing that "a privilege talk was neither directed towards the development of moral assessment nor making a moral claim concerning the privileged. But, it is aimed at addressing the inequality, and injustice that has emerged as a result of historical racism." Dawsett, 985). Nonetheless, there are evident flaws in his perspective that are creating controversies and leading to concerns about it. For instance, comparing the minorities with the bicycle is not the most appropriate illustration in addressing the concept of racism and privilege in society.

The Emotional Impact of White Privilege: Understanding Defensive Reactions

At the beginning of his essay, Dawsett focuses on the phrase "white privilege" and explain the impacts it has of the people perceived to benefit from white privilege. He states that "it can stimulate something in them that makes them stops a conversation or at least make them react defensively." He explains that when such reactions are detected by those attacking using the White privilege phrase responds by arguing that they become defensive because their privilege is uncovered which further heighten the defensiveness thus shutting the conversation. By emphatically sharing some of the effects of the concept on the involved persons, Dawsett connects to the pathos of the victims.

Ethos and Logos in Dowsett's Article: Building Credibility and Logical Reasoning

The application of ethos is clear in Dowsett's article. The article explains that although Jeremy was a white man he was a father to children from diverse races or cultures. As a result he had a better understanding of the white privilege. Due to his experience gained by witnessing the difference between the victims of white privilege and those attacking he understands how it feels being in either side of the issue. He uses ethos to elaborate on the problem using the experience as a cyclist since he depends on the bicycle for transport. He notes that riding a bike is difficult as the motorists do not mind the cyclists.

The Dark Side of the Road: Unveiling Injustices Faced by Minorities

Similarly the minority in the society are living in the community that gives priority to the white people; as a result, the minority are victims of attack and violence from police in an environment made for the white people. The author also uses logos to explaining how he is treated by drivers while riding. He says that "sometimes it is dangerous because the drivers are ruthless towards me. If I am not on the road- where I legally belong then they yell at me to get on the sidewalk" (Dawsett, 986).

Conclusion

In conclusion, Dawsett effectively uses the illustration to address the issues of racism and white privilege. The author provides a clear description of the problems and the impact it has not only on the individuals but also in the general society. The concept of white privilege has resulted in inequalities in society something less desirable.

Works Cited

Dowsett, J. "What My Bike Has Taught Me About White Privilege." NFG. 2014. pp. 984-988