system
Given the following post, respond as if you're commenting on Reddit:
human
CMV: I think the term white privilege sends the wrong message.

I think it is slowing progress on racial issues by making some white people defensive instead of making them advocates.

I agree with the intent of the phrase, which I understand is meant to bring inequality to light.  There are studies showing how people of color are treated unfairly at traffic stop, discriminated against while job hunting, experience unfair treatment in the court system, etc. 

My issue with the phrasing is I have seen it make white people instantly defensive because what they hear is someone saying that they did not earn what they have. Whereas what I understand the message to be is that people of color are not able to trust and expect basic human rights that white people take for granted. But the phrasing almost sounds like it is putting white people down instead of lifting people of color up.  Which instantly turns some white people off and they stop listening. 

I do acknowledge the irony of even having to coin the phrase correctly for some people to listen, but I do think there would be greater advocacy (which is the ultimate goal) if the idea of white privilege was presented and phrased differently.
gpt
There is no way to make white people acknowledge their privilege and act to bring about equality without making them uncomfortable. It’s an uncomfortable thing. The defensiveness is part of the issue, and needs to be worked through, not worked around.