tdb - i am a white woman. i like to think i am not racist, i will challenge prejudice in others, and i have never to my knowledge committed a racist act.
however, despite my revulsion of racism i have benefited enormously from the racist acts of my forebears and of our society's structure, past and present, which affords me more privilege than a black woman (for example) in the same position
i didn't choose that, obviously, but my health, wealth and welfare will likely fare better due to this privilege. this is not guaranteed, as of course i'm an individual, but chances are that even if i am unlucky or stupid i will be better cared for and better able to access the help and resources i need.
do i feel guilty about this? actually i do. i didn't cause this, and i do my best to mitigate against it, but who knows who i have trampled on through my unconscious privilege? i bimble along trying not to throw my privilege about, trying to think about what sort of impact my actions might have on other people, but it would be hugely arrogant of me to assume that i get everything right in that regard. after all, i am not free from the need to house, clothe and feed myself and others, nor of a desire for nice things, fun experiences, and an interesting job
i do feel guilty that through an accident of birth my path through life is likely to be easier than it might be for less privileged groups. it doesn't consume me, but it does make me think about how i conduct myself and what impact my actions have on others