Being the first one picked in gym class

White privilege is a real thing. Though many try to protest this fact (most of which are white), being a heterosexual, white and middle class in the states, regardless of if you want to accept it or not, comes with a free pass to having a step up in life.

Though it wasn't the decision of people in the current generation, and when most people begin to understand it, they are left with a heavy dose of white guilt, the facts are true.  White privilege is something that still plagues our country, and keeps racism in tact throughout the U.S. The idea behind white privilege, of course, spills far beyond that of the west.

Having traveled the past half-year throughout Asia, when actually finding myself not with other western travelers, being the minority becomes a reality. Especially when traveling alone, being a white westerner, I stand out like a sore thumb.

Though this can be somewhat scary, what is also does is open up the opportunity to indulge in dialogue with locals. Large groups of traveling westerns can be a bit abrasive, or even intimating for those local to the country you are visiting. Being alone gives an opportunity to indulge in intercultural communication that makes traveling interesting.

Where the white privilege comes in is being singled out for certain activities by those from the local culture. It can come in the form of being plucked out of a line for local transport, then put in the front or ushered to a private room.

Other times it can mean being the target of an indignant dialogue about your current or former leaders (it happens a lot). Though these both can be uncomfortable for different reason, that fact is it happens often. The occurrences don’t always have to be negative, though.

This past week, I was quite pleased while being picked out of the audience to join in a Malaysian cultural dance show (while being the only western in the audience). Beside being a fan of dancing and being in front of an audience, the occurrence was special because on the one hand, it gave the opportunity for the locals to poke fun at me while also inviting me into their show.

Feeling a bit alone and isolated in the audience, it was soothing to realize that the local people, much like myself, were interested in me, and that stolen glances were a sign of curiosity, not animosity. The small act made the crowd, myself and those on the stage all very happy.

While there are many things we can do as Westerns to change the culture of white privilege in our country, while being a guest in other countries, we don’t have much say in the negative occurrences. My advice for those traveling, though, is be a gracious visitor in foreign lands.

Indulge in opportunities granted and even if certain situations find you outside of your comfort zone, participate with a smile. Just as food for thought, realize that you may be the lone western face (and voice) locals will ever see. Represent the good ol' west positively, and take the rare opportunities to participate because they don’t come around often.