There are lots of advantages to being a white male in America. Shop owners don’t feel as compelled to follow you in stores to see if you are shoplifting. You can drive an expensive car in any neighborhood in America and the cops won’t assume you stole it. You’re odds of being a politician, CEO, head coach of a professional sports team, or high-grossing movie star are greater than any other gender, ethnic, or racial combination.
These advantages are diminishing, though. White men’s string of 43 consecutive US Presidencies ended in 2009. Minority coaches have won championships in three of the four major US professional sports leagues. Also, by 2042, white people will make up less than 50% of the US population, making white men less than ¼ of the population. (There tend to be more women than men anyway, since men are more likely to die in wars and Darwin Award winning “hey check this out” stunts.)
Perhaps the worst part about being a white male these days is applying for a job. This is not due to affirmative action. Large employers don’t necessarily favor women and minority candidates; it’s just that when they hire these candidates, they like to trumpet how diverse they are. Look at a job application. They start gently, asking if you are a Hispanic. That’s usually followed with a question about ethnicity, then one about gender. As a white male, after you’re done filling that out, you’re left felling, “No, I’m not some pretty feather to put in your cap. I’m nothing special. I’m just a white guy.”
So next time you see a white guy, hold a door open for him, or let him merge into your lane. After all, white guys have been through a lot.
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