Taken for granted Quote by Jodi Picoult
““I look right at juror number 12, the teacher. “Finish this sentence,” I say. “I am…?” I pause at the blank. “Maybe you’d answer: shy. Or blond. Friendly. Nervous, intelligent, Irish. But the majority of you wouldn’t say white. Why not? Because it’s a given. It’s identity that is taken for granted. Those of us who were lucky enough to be born white are oblivious to that good fortune.””
About This Quote
White identity is often invisible to those who have it, while others are defined by it.
In simple terms: White people often don’t notice their race, unlike minorities.
Recognize and question assumed racial norms.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- education
- policy making
- personal reflection
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How does privilege shape daily interactions?
- What can be done to make invisible norms visible?
May simplify complex racial dynamics into a single narrative.