9 Things That Scream White Privilege

AP Images

Ryan Lochte

The fallout for Ryan Lochte after the truth was revealed includes a loss of sponsorship from four major companies, including Speedo and Ralph Lauren. But prior to that, look at all of the ways in which he was protected. He’s a 32-year-old man, but was referred to as a “kid” who made a silly, perfectly excusable mistake. And TV personalities from Billy Bush to Matt Lauer let him off easy by saying he simply “embellished” his story.

Gabby Douglas

Olympic gymnast Gabby Douglas was berated on social media and accused of being un-American and disrespectful because, while on the podium, she didn’t place her hand on her heart while the national anthem played. The above tweets perfectly sum up how White male privilege played a role in the gymnast’s unfair treatment.

Image: Free People

Clip-In Dreadlocks

For a little over $100, Free People offered their customers “springtime pink” and “neutral tie dye” colored clip-in dreadlocks. Adorned with mini faux flowers, these “locs” resembled hardened cotton candy more than anything else. This is being touted as a cool fashion statement. But the chances of these being banned by schools, like real dreadlocks, cornrows and other hairstyles Black people rock? Slim to none.

After receiving some negative feedback, Free People decided to remove the item from their website.

Image: Shutterstock

KKK Rally

In Houston, Texas, armed KKK members with Confederate flags and White Lives Matter banners protested outside the NAACP building. Claiming that the Black Lives Matter movement has promoted violence, the protesting White supremacists received protection by police officers. Not only that, these officers were void of the riot gear we often see police wear in cities like Ferguson and Baltimore during protests after unarmed Black citizens were killed by police. Interesting.

Emmaatan

“Chocolate” Spray Tans

Caramel. Chocolate. Dark ash black. Extreme. Swedish salon Emmaatan sells all kinds of spray tans for temporary browning. The company’s owner was criticized for selling blackness in a bottle, without any of the burden, but she denied any wrongdoing and apologized for the misunderstanding. Dark ash and caramel are still being sold, though.

Image: Apega/WENN.com

Anything a Kardashian (or Jenner) Does

The Kardashians may not go around sporting cornrows and calling them boxer braids, but some naïve publications are quick to refer to anything they do as new and inventive.  Regardless, the Kardashians and Jenners receive praise for looks and styles that are viewed in a different manner for Black women. And let’s not forget about the time Kylie Jenner said, “I started wigs, and now everyone is wearing wigs. I just do whatever I want to do, and people will follow.” Right.

Image: Shutterstock

David Becker and Brock Turner

Both athletes, both young White men and both convicted rapists who got slaps on the wrist as punishment. Never mind the victims, these men are avoiding jail time so that they can peacefully move on with their lives. According to Becker’s lawyer? “The goal of this sentence was not to impede this individual from graduating high school and to go onto the next step of his life, which is a college experience.” Must be nice.

Austin Harrouff

By the time police found Harrouff, a 19-year-old Florida State Student, he was in the middle of eating a man’s face. And yet, police used a stun gun and a K-9 dog to safely restrain him. He is accused of cannibalistic murder, but a story in the Miami Herald referred to him as a “gentle giant” and a quiet “kid.” There goes that k-word again.

Image: Dennis Van Tine/Future Image/WENN.com

Melania Trump

Stealing a speech, referring to it as your own and not being punished for it? Peak white privilege.