Many of us believe that we're living in a meritocracy, deserving of what we have and compassionate toward those with less. But that's not true: white people have been given a headstart and ongoing advantages due to the color of their skin, while people of color suffer from equally arbitrary disadvantages, says scholar and activist Peggy McIntosh. She explains what led her to recognize her privilege — and how it can be used by those with power to ensure a fairer life for others.

Peggy McIntosh: How to recognize your white privilege — and use it to fight inequality

How to recognize your white privilege — and use it to fight inequality

Unmasking the invisible, Peggy McIntosh enlightens on white privilege as unearned advantages, urging introspection and transformative use.

McIntosh's revelation: privilege systems pre-exist us, yet through awareness and action, one can employ privilege to foster equity.

Challenging meritocracy, McIntosh calls for acknowledging unearned advantages, inspiring actions towards a more equitable society.