During last night's Democrat primary debate, the subject of race in America came up. Each of the candidates on stage had their own grand promises of what they will do to heal what they view as racial tensions and disparities in the United States. However, Kirsten Gillibrand had quite an interesting take.

When Gillibrand spoke, she expressed an interest in talking to white female Trump voters about "white privilege." Gillibrand went on to stage that "white privilege" is what shields certain Americans from being mistreated by police officers and whatnot. She is not alone in her thoughts, however; many Democrats of today believe that "white privilege" is real and alive.

Gillibrand on Trump Voters and White Privilege

In essence, Gillibrand declared that she has the duty to speak for others who she views as unable to speak for themselves. Gillibrand furthermore stated that she can talk to white women who live in the suburbs and voted for President Trump.

In Gillibrand's own words:

"I think as a white woman of privilege who is a U.S. senator running for president of the United States, it is also my responsibility to lift up those voices that aren’t being listened to. I can talk to those white women. When their son is walking down the street with a bag of M&Ms in his pocket, wearing a hoodie, his whiteness is what protects him from not being shot."

She also went on to state that "institutional racism" is alive and well in America today.

What Determines Whether or Not Someone Succeeds or Fails in America?

Progressives and conservatives generally maintain contrasting outlooks on factors which determine success and failure. Many on the left-wing believe that race plays a pivotal role in someone's quality of life. Like Gillibrand, Democrats maintain that racism and "white privilege" hold back racial minorities. This indirectly asserts that people of color are not in control of their own lives.

Conservatives have a different, collective outlook. The right-wing overwhelmingly believes that anyone in America can rise via hard work and smart choices. While this outlook conflicts with progressive narratives, its undertones affirm that all individuals maintain control of their lives.