Interviews with Artists and Activists on White Privilege: Sean Mahan

I recently conducted a series of interviews with several people who are white/read as white about what white privilege means to them in their work to end racism and oppression. Following the killing of Mike Brown, I realized to my great disappointment that a number of white folks on social media became extremely agitated and angry at the very invocation of this phrase. Conceptually, though, I think it is critical to understand and engage if we are indeed to move towards a most just and fair world. I am humbled and grateful to the people who participated in this conversation for their honesty in talking about what white privilege means to them, and I hope this collection of voices serves to spark dialogue and ignite change.

It must and can never be only people of color who are charged with the work of dismantling white supremacy and racial injustice. I feel these conversations are critical for white people to have with each other if we are to move forward as a society. Thanks for taking time to read.

(This is the fourth interview in the series. Check out the previous ones with Chris Crass, Melissa A. Fabello, and Kelly Johnson.)

Sean Mahan

1. Tell us a little about yourself.

Iʼm a social-realist figurative painter working on both fine art paintings and large scale murals. Iʼm interested in human nature and how its reflected in facial expression. Iʼm also interested in what kind of environment humans will flourish to their full potential. The intersecting social, economic, and political systems all shape privilege and I like to include these themes into paintings. 

2. Where and when did you first hear the term white privilege? What were some of your initial thoughts about it?

I think I heard the term first used when I was really young. My parents were very involved in exchange student programs and we had many different exchange students live with us when I was growing up. My parents always stressed an awareness of different cultures, and along with it, awareness of the relationships between cultures.

3. How and when do you use the phrase in your own life and activism?< I recently did a series of paintings illustrating ideas about our perceived privilege over the rest of the natural world. Thereʼs the idea that we stand alone in the natural world in that we can transcend the cause and effect found everywhere else in nature and choose to act independently of the environment that shapes our actions. I think thereʼs a connection in this “pull yourself up by your own bootstraps” ideal and white privilege. I often hear people being critical of “black” communities, asserting that they could easily choose to live otherwise. I think this outlook ignores the environmental factors that shape our choices and in doing so, ignores what kind of environment would be truly helpful in shaping beneficial choices.

4. Have you experienced push back on the phrase from other white people? How do you respond? What are some common ways the phrase is called into question, and how do you address those?<

The biggest push back Iʼve heard is the assertion that itʼs actually the white conservative who is oppressed. I think this is such a weird idea, but I hear it over and over (from white conservatives). How are you oppressed when you hold the dominant view? (I live in the south)

5. Why do you feel it’s a vital phrase to use?

Its important for me to be aware of so that I donʼt exploit others with my privilege and so that I can be more understanding of the challenges others are facing.

6. Are there any resources or links you would recommend to a white person newly acquainting themselves with the idea of white privilege? Any other links on the subject for the world at large?

www.naturalism.org
www.equaltimeforfreethought.org