I remember as a kid feeling sad that I didn't belong to an "interesting" culture. I just wasn't made aware that I did live in a culture, but culture is more than a certain way of dressing or a certain kind of music. I realize now as an adult that I do indeed belong to white culture, which has a certain set of values and that are upheld as the best, or normal/neutral by whites. I definitely recognize my white privilege especially in my sense of being a "good, respectable, trustworthy person." I remember one particular instance when I wanted to purchase a CD from a musician in an airport. I didn't have cash, which he preferred, but I had checks. I asked if he would take a check, and he looked me over and thought a moment, then said " You look trustworthy; OK." I was grateful that he allowed me to write a check because I did like his music and want a CD, but I also felt very uncomfortable in that moment, because it was as if he had said "You look white, OK." I realize I have taken advantage of many small and large privileges like this during my life not necessarily because I am a good person, but because I am white.
