My White Privilege

Where did white privilege start?

Who originated the con?

More than 10 Billion USD per year is spent to whiten skin.

Why? Who told them they’d look better, more pasty like me?

I have always envied darker skinned people because they tan better, look excellent in brighter colours, and don’t get washed out in a stark white t-shirt.

I try to do the white t-shirt thing, but I am a bit of a slob when I eat. Typically no amount of stain remover or bleach will compensate.

Someone, somewhere, somehow, duped others into believing the lie, that being white is better. And because masses went along with it, it stuck.

As it goes with most lies, the more people who believe it, the harder it is to debunk.

Many times in my life, I have felt inferior to handsome, dark-skinned men of any race, simply because I believed they had an advantage over me. And if I live in my ego, I am always quite capable of listing out endless specifics as to how I fall short — in comparison.

But nothing good ever comes of focusing on negativity.

I have only ever found lasting joy, peace and purpose, through the disciplined practice of giving thanks for all things, regardless of feelings or comparisons.

Somehow, gratefulness paves the way for more blessings — ushering in increase.

When I feel down, discouraged or dismayed, the quickest way to exit the toxic turnpike, is to focus on every blessing I can find — no matter how seemingly small.

Some days my shoulders tighten with stress knots. These impediments (bound muscles, fascia, and nerves) sometimes result in horrible headaches.

After experiencing this cycle for years, I am well aware that the knots are always a result of tension. Tension, always a result of stress chemicals. And stress chemicals, always a result of negative thoughts (and emotions) I have been dwelling on.

It took me years to accept, but I finally learned that the old adage is true.

“If you want to change your life, change your thoughts.”

Every thought I allow myself to dwell on, either causes stress or joy chemicals. The chemicals I’ve chosen, then dictate the state I experience.

So instead of envying darker skinned people, I instead thank God for a comfortable bed to sleep in, friends to laugh and learn with, and hope for my future (however uncertain) that I get to believe for.

Regardless of my pasty white privileged ass.