The Invisible Knapsack

The Invisible Knapsack

Christopher R. Avery
EDU689: Personal Ethics & Leadership Capacity
Instructor: Joy Bell
Dated: 12/04/16

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The Invisible Knapsack

The assignment goals.

Write an analysis of McIntoshs view of the treatment of individuals when the issue of fairness is
weighed.
What key points of value you gleaned from the assignment.
When individuals take for granted the perspective of their culture or values, it is many times at
others expense.
How you might apply your learning professionally.
The point of having an ethical consciousness struck home with me and was a point of which I
shared with my professional colleagues.
The modifications you have made.
The feedback that I received, all supported my theory.
Article Analysis:
The statement, White privilege, helped to explain how McIntosh began to see, The big
Picture, as she became aware of how many areas are filled with those born either above or
below this paralleled divide. Her motivation was further fueled by acknowledging, My niceness
didnt cover my basic racial superiority assumption, niceness had nothing to do with treatment of
others, McIntosh (1990). An important thought is, How then does one begin to bring equality
into a system designed with built in favor?
An ethical consciousness that is not interpenetrated by each theme can be captured
either by sentimentality, by rationalistic simplification, or by social naivet, Poliner Shapiro, J.
(2011), what is in fact true, is that many who acknowledge this unfair advantage, would not give

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up their position for an opportunity to undergo treatment similar to those less fortunate. The
statement pertaining to educational advantages as, A bank account, is the mindset which has
led to the belief, Having ambition doesnt always equate to success.
What also rings true about the discussion of, Unpacking the invisible knapsack, is,
The blending of each theme encourages a rich human response to the many uncertain ethical
situations the school community faces every day, both in the learning tasks as well as in its
attempt to govern itself, Poliner Shapiro, J. (2011), which is I believe McIntosh wanted to bring
insight to those once blinded by the color of an individual.
Argument Evaluation:
What makes a good point in the article is the fact that notes were kept by McIntosh,
which allowed her to form an analysis of where growth had either occurred or a decline
continues to exists, The achievement of self-knowledge, capacity and sensitivity to others can
be best achieved in professional settings through strategies of personal reflective practice, and
sustained dialogue on moral issues and the ethical dilemmas, Begley, P. T. (2006).
Im in agreement with methods which permits equality to circumvent the process already
determined by birth and imposes elevation of other cultures. The face that those in leadership
positions should become aware and offer suggestions to improve old fashion practices, Strategic
responses to ethical dilemmas, is used as a practice grounded approach to describing authentic
leadership and the acquisition of moral literacy by school leaders, Begley, P. T. (2006).
What influence is gained by daring to elevate above a situation once seen has, The
elephant in the room, as McIntosh, stated, I began to pray and it wasnt a normal prayer, it was
a demanding prayer, her revelation allowed her a platform to voice her opinion and consider
those who questioned color and reflect that, Time has long come for change.

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Ethical Leadership Application:
Where does the voice for the injured come from? Does position allow one to adapt from
ethics acquired during a life time? These are but a glimpse for the professional who has to
consider the value of justice verses belief and change verses status quo. Displaying high ethical
leadership behavior, mostly in communication dimension which is a sub-dimension of ethical
leadership behaviors, Yldrm, A. (2010). When McIntosh, expounds on the very issue and
how an invisible line is drawn to separate it also is a concern for how, The ethic of justice
frequently serves as a foundation for legal principles and ideals. This important function is
evident in laws related to education. In many instances, courts have been reluctant to impose
restrictions on school officials, thus allowing them considerable discretion in making important
administrative decisions, Poliner Shapiro, J. (2011).
McIntosh, spoke of how could she in fact answer the questions posed by her colleagues
of color without considering the legal and moral principles which had been ignored for many
years. Her focus was to now become more of a voice of influence to address men who had
forgotten that she was not to be considered has a weaker vessel, but a voice for women
regardless of color.
Reflection:
My current situation has many of the underlined tones regarding both; equality and
diversity. As a district long influenced by a dominate culture but at the same time denied by the
theory that McIntosh introduced, (Parallel line), I am an advocate for change. Our situation is
hindered by the lack of awareness which training would address. Which is why I would express
an atmosphere founded on sensitivity and open doors.

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Many would believe that equality can be obtained overnight but, in fact change has to
occur at a pace which allows the introduction of fairness. It may be said, because I am an
individual of color my judgement may be clouded by years of history, but like McIntosh, I pray
for the realization of expectations that reward the efforts of individuals without addressing the
culture or demanding the percentages are raised to satisfy the concerns of those no longer
effected.
We can debate issues and raise votes, lift bans, introduce expanded polices, but if the
mindset of people isnt effected than nothing will be gained. As a leader, I am looked upon to
establish standards and support those who follow my lead, my influence must remain
professional despite the hurdles that I had to overcome. I believe that the path I established can
be followed by anyone who wants to obtain the same successes that I have enjoyed regardless of
color, my goal as a leader is not to breakthrough, The Parallel Line, but, erase it all together.

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References

Begley, P. T. (2006). Self-knowledge, capacity and sensitivity. Journal of Educational

Administration, 44(6), 570. doi:10.1108/09578230610704792
Poliner Shapiro, J., Stefkovich, J. (2011). Ethical leadership and decision making in education:
Applying theoretical perspectives to complex dilemmas (3rd ed.). New York, NY:
Routledge.
TEDx Talks. (2012, November 5). How studying privilege systems can strengthen
compassion: Peggy McIntosh at TEDxTimerlaneSchools [Video File]. Retrieved from
http://youtu.be/e-BY9UEewHw
Yldrm, A., & Batu, . (2010). WCES-2010: Teachers views about ethical leadership
behaviors of primary school directors. Procedia - Social And Behavioral Sciences,
2(Innovation and Creativity in Education), 4109-4114. doi:10.1016/j.sbspro.2010.03.648