conferred dominance. The advantage experienced by the privileged group can be
unearned, merely as a consequence of their position, or it can be created through
dominance yielded because of their position. Both aspects challenge the notion that
one’s experience in society is based solely on one’s merit, and recognizing this
challenges the denial surrounding systems of privilege and oppression. McIntosh
contends that once the privileged can no longer deny the benefits intrinsic to their
position, they must then decide to either destroy or maintain the system from which
they benefit.
McIntosh believes race and sex are not the only advantaging systems at work. We need
to similarly examine the daily experience of having other advantages such as:
a. age, work, money or experience.
b. age, ethnicity, physical ability, nationality, religion or sexual orientation.
c. age, behavior, attitude or privilege.
d. beauty, wealth and fame.
“Gladiators, Gazelles, and Groupies: Basketball Love and Loathing” Julianne
Malveaux
Julianne Malveaux explores the topic of basketball within the context of gender and
race. The author speaks of a culture saturated with basketball. It is nearly impossible to
tune out, turn off or ignore. It is a cultural delimiter, a national export, a medium
through which messages about race, gender and power are transmitted not only
nationally but also internationally.
According to Malveaux, a subtext of the basketball culture relegates women,
especially African American women, to:
a. useless beings
b. subservient being
c. a peripheral, dependent, and soap-operatic role