A New Perspective on "Passing"

Cheryl Harris’ emphasis on “passing” in the beginning of the reading immediately caught my attention. As Harris elaborates on her grandmother’s struggle with her White and Black identities, she writes, “Passing is well-known among Black people in the United States and is a feature of race subordination in all societies structured on white supremacy” (Harris 1712). Harris’ grandmother interestingly enough has the physical characteristics to “pass” as a White woman, yet she is a Black woman by nature. While her fake white identity put’s her at an economic and political advantage, such a mask, per se, truly serves her as an emotional burden because she lives a lie, or rather double life. Harris’ use of the word “passing” in the previous quote reveals the great division between Whites and Blacks. There is a certain line or limit one must reach to obtain specific privileges, known as white privilege, and not face brutal discrimination. It is unfortunate that Blacks in our country must live with this notion of “passing” in order to fit in and achieve their goals. The phrase “race subordination” is also significant as it proves there is a societal rank based on one’s color of skin. Additionally, consider the following quote Harris portrays as she continues to discuss privilege: “…guaranteed basic subsistence needs and, therefore, survival. Becoming white increased the possibility of controlling critical aspects of one’s life rather than being the object of the others’ domination” (Harris 1713). The words “survival”, “controlling” and “object” are key. “Survival” and “controlling” show how being white is almost essential and most preferable to living a decent life. It is nearly impossible to obtain authority and confidence if one is not white as they become powerless and rather regarded as “objects.” I am curious to better comprehend the evolution of white supremacy. How can we abolish it and why is the United States the only country with the most difficultly in this aspect?