‘White privilege’ essay contest ruffles upscale coastal town
WESTPORT, Conn. — When the town sponsored a student essay contest on the topic of white privilege, it was intended to provoke discussion in this wealthy, overwhelmingly white community on Connecticut’s Gold Coast.
It did, along with no small amount of outrage.
Contest organizers have been surprised by the reaction from some who say the question wrongly suggests race plays into the good life enjoyed in Westport.
Residents like Bari Reiner, 72, say the question is offensive because the town welcomes anybody who can afford to live here.