Ariana is a 22-year old Caucasian college student wanting to go to occupational therapy school who finds images of students like her in many college admissions brochures. Ariana is experiencing which of the following?

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White privilege has been debated over the last three decades and has been defined by a nonwhite family physician as "a long-standing concept defining a set of privileges available to white people because of their race and unavailable to others" (Hobbs, 2018, p. 197). The use of the term "white privilege" does not suggest "that white people have never struggled" and that all whites have access to health care and other resources. "White privilege should be viewed as a built-in advantage, separate from one's level of income or effort" (Collins & Wolski, 2018, p. 39). Examples of white privilege in daily life were developed by a white professor (McIntosh, 1989) within the specific context of her life in that time and space; they are autobiographical. The purpose of her writing was not to have people feel guilt or shame but for people to consider what advantages they realize due to their race. McIntosh's examples of privilege are helpful for individuals' reflection regarding their potential advantages within their own place, space, and time. Examples of McIntosh's self-perceived privilege (1989, p. 2) that may resonate with white occupational therapy practitioners include:
• "I can go shopping alone most of the time, pretty well assured that I will not be followed around or harassed."
• "I can easily buy posters, postcards, picture books, greeting cards, dolls, toys, and children's magazines featuring people of my race."
• "I can choose public accommodations without fearing that people of my race cannot get in or will be mistreated in the places I have chosen."
Ajayi (2016) asks white people to acknowledge that while white privileges are not under their control, that part of their identity places them at an advantage. "Knowing our privilege does not make us villains, but it should make us more conscious about the parts we play in systems that are greater than us. It should make us be more thoughtful; it should humble us" (Ajayi, 2016, p. 86).

Ariana Is a 22-Year Old Caucasian College Student Wanting to Go