Sociology professor issues ‘white privilege’ pop quiz as extra credit

A professor of sociology issued students a pop quiz on "white privilege" for extra credit at San Diego State University. Dae Elliot asked students to, “read the list and place a checkmark next to the privileges that apply" to earn extra credit.

The list included 20 “privileges” students have encountered based on race including:

I can arrange to be in the company of people of my race most of the time.

I can go shopping alone most of the time, pretty well assured that I will not be followed or harassed.

Whether I use checks, credit cards, or cash, I can count on my skin color not to work against the appearance of financial responsibility.

I am not made acutely aware that my shape, bearing, or body odor will be taken as a reflection of my race.

I can choose blemish cover or bandages in flesh color and have them more or less match my skin.

I can be late to a meeting without having the lateness reflect on my race.

I can enroll in a class at college and be sure that the majority of my professors will be of my race.

At the end, students were required to tally up their scores with the higher score indicating a higher level of privilege. They were then made aware of the various forms of privilege that aren't based on race including "gender, sexual orientation, class, and religion" and to define any new privileges they observe. Elliot told the College Fix it was a legitimate way to get students to "step out of their subjectivity."