White Privilege: Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack by Peggy McIntosh

In “White Privilege: Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack” by Peggy McIntosh, the author takes note of the many privileges she enjoys in American society due to her racial (or white skin) privilege. One of those privileges is as follows: “I can go shopping alone most of the time, pretty well assured that I will not be followed or harassed.” Unfortunately, women of color, such as African American women would likely have a different experience while shopping. News reports are replete with stories about Black women who are heavily surveilled, followed, stopped by store security persons, and even met with calls to the police.

In this discussion, use the theoretical concept of intersectionality to analyze the reasons why African American women’s experiences are different from white women’s experiences when shopping alone. Why are each women’s experiences different when viewing them through an intersectional lens? Complete the initial post and 2 reply posts to your fellow Scholars