The “Personal Identity Campaign” launched by the Elizabethtown College Democrats ignited controversy last month as the story was picked up by national (and international) media outlets. Students were invited to wear white puzzle pieces to reflect on how their inherent “white privilege” plays a role in oppressing minorities.
Unsurprisingly, there was significant backlash. As the number of Facebook comments and alumni phone calls steadily increased, it became apparent this wasn’t going away anytime soon. An officer with the school’s College Republicans chapter, I noticed a disturbing theme that is all too familiar on college campuses: denial.
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Those involved argued they had no idea the campaign would make the headlines it did. Given the current political climate and division existing in our nation after a highly contentious election, serious doubt is in order. In the context of a national conversation on race, if we want to help students who have been affected by true racism, we must value them as people, not pawns. Don’t use others to advance your own feel-good political agenda.
Several members of the College Democrats believe that although white Americans may not actively participate in this “oppressive” system, their so-called privilege still affects minority students. To me, that means white students are destined to fight a losing battle. No matter our efforts to spread the belief that character is more important than the color of our skin, we will be shamed for a characteristic we cannot control. Improving race relations cannot occur if every aspect of our lives is whittled down to our appearance.
Participate in dialogue, run campaigns, and be politically engaged. Our Constitution gives you the right to do so, and as a conservative I hold respect for those cherished freedoms. In theory, society would never suggest to the children of an incarcerated parent that they be shamed or singled out for the crimes of their mother or father. Similarly, I will not wear a pin that suggests I need to bear the responsibility for others’ actions and indirectly shoves this “privilege” in the faces of other students. I am proud of my heritage and the family that made me the person I am today. They had their fair share of hardships. After all, the majority of Caucasians in this country are descendants of immigrants who were often discriminated against due to their country of origin. A key point to make here: many emigrated after the Civil War.
Our nation elected an African-American man as President — twice. Colleges and universities across the country give minority students preferential treatment through affirmative action. Moreover, if you are attending a private, expensive liberal arts institution such as Elizabethtown College, you have already been afforded opportunities many can only dream of.
Are there still instances of racism in the United States? Absolutely. But to effectively combat prejudice, you must recognize the difference between equality of opportunity and equality of outcome.
Wait until you have the facts before you condemn a police officer who used his weapon. Value personal responsibility over the victim mindset. Debate the issues you care about, read more than one news source, and remind yourself that character is more important than color. But when you begin a campaign addressing an extremely controversial issue, expect there to be consequences. Be ready to support your arguments. Hold yourself accountable for your actions. If you cannot do so in college, don’t expect your future employer to cut you some slack. There are no safe spaces in the real world.
We are Americans — an identity more powerful than the color of our skin — and we certainly shouldn’t need an identifying marker to show that.
