25/02/2016
Two guys graduate. One is White, the other is black. After getting a job, the white guy rents for a while, works hard, probably moves up the management and income ladder, then later decides to purchase property.This happens within 3 years.
likewise, the black guy probably stays at home and takes a long commute to work because he needs to support the family. By family I mean his siblings and one parent, or granny. He’s probably the first in his family history to get a degree, or earn more than 8k. He’s less likely to afford rent in a similar complex as his white friend. Not without help. At best, lets say he does afford rent with the help of a room mate. Maybe a childhood friend, or varsity friend.
He’s also less likely to progress in his career at the same rate as his counterpart. He works just as hard.
Meanwhile the white guy has the option to buy a better car, get married or maybe get a better house. Perhaps invest in the JSE, a second property or start a business.
Dakie? well, he has to first consider getting a bond for his family. “Its why you went to school” is what his family would’ve said to him.
For his own sanity, sooner or later he feels the burning desire to live alone, perhaps with his girlfriend or wife. So he rents closer to work and buys a house for his family in the hood. Significantly less disposable income than his white buddy since his paying for two households. All the while paying back study loans. Becomes a high risk for the credit trap. Maybe that’s his fault.
Now they both have kids. The kids go through school, finish high school and graduate at varsity. By then, da**ie has seen some career progress, earns more money, but still less than the white guy. But also has more debt than the white guy. Less savings and/or investments.
The white guy’s child can choose whatever he wishes with his life. Money is not that much of a problem. He has decent options. He doesn’t have to worry about his parent’s financial survival, they’ll be somewhat ok. When his parents die, he can expect some financial windfall. It may or may not be substantial. He can payoff some debt, maybe invest or start a business.
Dakie’s parent dies. Leaves behind a debt. No will. No pension. Child? he’ll be ok, he has a chance to gain a financial leap through government-created opportunities because of his skin colour. But it causes tension with his peers. He doesn’t like it but…
the point is this:
1) Don’t think your privilege is squarely derived from your hard work, or that u are inherently smarter... or not lazy.
2) in this example, the white guy represents the average, while the black, the exceptional.
3) When black people refer to your “white privilege,” or “white supremacy” we don’t mean to say you are a racist. (Unless of coarse you are.) We often use it to describe an economic structure that makes you the default race that has the ‘natural’ capacity to meet market opportunities.
lastly, the question I ask is:
If you stopped working today, zero income. Do you think that the child of your gardener, or housekeeper can still fairly compete with your grandchild?
How would the quality of life of your parents and children change?
What would be the living conditions?
Could you go back to your parents’ house?
