K
katiesonlyson
Guest
Hello, I am struggling with a decision and hope someone can help. I am 43 and come from a modest working-class background. Recently, I completed a 2-year degree at community college in order to start a new career in computer programming (25 years of computer programming has exacted a physical toll). Currently I am doing some small volunteer projects to gain experience in the field, but job opportunities have now started coming my way.
On its face, this might seem like great news. However, there is a distinct ethical problem. I am a white american male. I understand that, with these traits, I enjoy a multitude of benefits and opportunities that women and people of color do not. For instance, white males in america are offered employment much more readily than others and are compensated at higher rates. Unemployment for whites is currently 3 percent, while it is 26 percent for African-Americans.
Is it moral for a person like myself to entertain job prospects? In my research I’ve read that any opportunity I take will be one that is not given to a lesser-privileged person. I would really have a problem robbing someone of an opportunity. My mentor (who is Native-American) has said that I should try to be as successful as possible, and then use that success to mentor minority youths - thereby creating more opportunities for them. That sounds good in the long term, but it does not solve the ethical problem of my white male privilege continuing as a tool of oppression in the near term.
When visiting the US, Father Francis showed signs of pride in the Black Lives Matter movement, who have recently demanded a greater degree of equality in america. However, I’m not sure how long I can continue to support myself with construction labor. Not seeking validation or telling me to “go for it” just to be “nice”. I honestly don’t know what to do.
Thank you and Peace be with you.
On its face, this might seem like great news. However, there is a distinct ethical problem. I am a white american male. I understand that, with these traits, I enjoy a multitude of benefits and opportunities that women and people of color do not. For instance, white males in america are offered employment much more readily than others and are compensated at higher rates. Unemployment for whites is currently 3 percent, while it is 26 percent for African-Americans.
Is it moral for a person like myself to entertain job prospects? In my research I’ve read that any opportunity I take will be one that is not given to a lesser-privileged person. I would really have a problem robbing someone of an opportunity. My mentor (who is Native-American) has said that I should try to be as successful as possible, and then use that success to mentor minority youths - thereby creating more opportunities for them. That sounds good in the long term, but it does not solve the ethical problem of my white male privilege continuing as a tool of oppression in the near term.
When visiting the US, Father Francis showed signs of pride in the Black Lives Matter movement, who have recently demanded a greater degree of equality in america. However, I’m not sure how long I can continue to support myself with construction labor. Not seeking validation or telling me to “go for it” just to be “nice”. I honestly don’t know what to do.
Thank you and Peace be with you.