12 Everyday Phrases You Might Be Using That Reflect White Privilege

In your everyday conversations, you likely use phrases and expressions without thinking about their deeper implications. While this is totally normal and common, it could also mean that you might be using expressions that unintentionally perpetuate white privilege. If you’re not familiar with white privilege, it’s the idea that power, benefits, and advantages are distributed to groups in unequal ways, favouring white people. This isn’t to say that white people don’t face obstacles in life but that the adversities that they do face or will face in the future are not related to the colour of their skin.

White privilege highlights the inequitable advantage that white people have over non-white people. Today we’re sharing everyday phrases you might be using that foster white privilege. By learning them, you can perpetuate a greater awareness and encourage more mindful, inclusive, and empathetic conversations. Ready to see how many of these common phrases you’re using? Let’s go!

1. “I worked hard to get where I am.”

This phrase amplifies white privilege, and it’s one you’ve probably heard many times. The problem with it lies in the fact that it overlooks the socioeconomic advantages and opportunities that you had because of your race. It doesn’t acknowledge the broader context of advantage and privilege. While a white person may face challenges in life, it’s important to remember that the challenges faced aren’t because of the colour of their skin.

2. “All lives matter.”

Born from the mantra “Black lives matter,” which is a social initiative in response to racism and violence against black people, both in the past and now. Black people have consistently been marginalized, stigmatized, and discriminated against, and so the phrase “black lives matter” is more like saying “black lives matter, too.” The phrase “all lives matter” shuts down the conversation and doesn’t acknowledge the adversities and systemic disadvantages that black people have faced.

3. “That’s just the way things are.”

The phrase “that’s just the way things are” implies that existing social and systematic disadvantages and obstacles are natural parts of life and largely unchangeable. It lacks empathy and unconsciously discourages change. 

4. “It’s not my job to fix racism because I’m not racist.”

This phrase suggests that because you’re not personally racist, it’s not your responsibility to address systemic racism. It also implies that it’s the job of the people who are victims of racism to fix the issue rather than the job of society.

5. “You don’t need to worry about the police if you’re not doing anything illegal.”

The issue with this phrase is that it overlooks racial profiling and makes an assumption that everyone is treated equally by law enforcement, which we know based on facts isn’t true. It ignores the systemic bias and highlights a lack of awareness about white privilege. 

6. “I can’t say/pronounce that; do you have a nickname?”

This phrase is outrageously culturally insensitive. It reflects a tendency to prioritise self-convenience over accommodating others and feeds into the idea that people must conform to mainstream norms. It also ignores the privilege the speaker would have had over never needing to change their name just so someone can pronounce it. 

7. “Why can’t people just speak English?”

The phrase “Why can’t people just speak English” assumes that English should be the default language. It’s culturally insensitive and is an oversimplification of real, complex issues that non-English-speaking people face. It minimizes their experiences and sounds arrogant.

8. “I don’t see colour.”

This phrase, though short, has many issues and oozes white privilege. It’s a dismissal of racial identity and an acknowledgment of never having lived experience facing discrimination because of skin colour. It also implies that ignoring racial differences is a way to keep things fair. The phrase also lacks empathy. For things to change, it’s necessary to understand and acknowledge racial differences.

9. “It’s just a joke; don’t be so sensitive.”

The phrase “it’s just a joke; don’t be so sensitive” is very dismissive. It quietly implies that you’re right and the person you’re speaking to is wrong because they’re taking offense to what you’re saying. It also sounds quite ignorant. 

10. “Everyone has equal opportunities if they work hard enough.”

This phrase minimizes the struggles that marginalized groups face and carries an assumption that society treats everyone equally, which we know isn’t true. It lacks understanding of how systemic inequalities do exist, and by vocalizing this, it just feeds into it. 

11. “It’s just the way things are.”

If you’ve heard the phrase “it’s just the way things are,”  you probably felt like you weren’t listened to and the way you felt didn’t matter. This phrase implies that things won’t ever change and that the speaker won’t be taking an active part in the change either.

12. “Why don’t they just move to a better neighbourhood?”

This is an oversimplification of the struggles many face in terms of finding affordable housing in a safe neighborhood. It’s not as simple as just moving to a better neighbourhood but rather finding safe and affordable housing, being financially stable, and having access to equal opportunity. 

Additional phrases with hidden bias reflecting white privilege:

• “I don’t understand why people of colour always make everything about race.”
• “I was just being honest; I didn’t mean to offend anyone.”
• “I’m not responsible for what happened in the past.”
• “People should just fit into the existing system.”
• “It’s hard to understand why someone would be offended by that.”
• “Why do people always bring race into things?”
• “Why can’t people just be grateful for the opportunities they have?”
• “I didn’t think my comment was offensive; that was just my opinion.”
• “Why is everyone so quick to label things as racist?”
• “I don’t see how this is relevant to me.”

Each of these phrases has a hidden bias that highlights white privilege. They’re insensitive and lack awareness of the very real problems that marginalised groups face. From discrimination to having unequal benefits and opportunities, the world is filled with bias, and white people must acknowledge and be aware of their privilege. 

The Takeaway

If you’ve read these phrases and felt disappointed in yourself because you’ve realized that you’ve said them, don’t worry. The real beauty lies in change. In acknowledging the bias and making the choice to be aware and perpetuate change for the good. Having white privilege doesn’t inherently make you a bad person, but having the privilege and assuming that everyone else is the same as you are ignorant and culturally insensitive.

By learning and reflecting about white privilege and how it plays a part in your life, you can become more mindful and aware and therefore cultivate a better understanding, more empathetic dialogue, and be a part of the change the world needs.