“I’m white, and I’m special”

In short, both the conservative and liberal positions are based on the same underlying assertion: “I’m white, and I’m special.” Conservatives are more likely to say it openly, while liberals tend to offer platitudes about racial justice while avoiding the risks required to make good on anti-racist principles.

From Robert Jensen’s essay What White People Fear in Yes magazine.

Indeed, as Jensen points out, much of our current political rancor stems from white — and mostly middle-class and male — anger that they are losing their current social standing.

Also see: Louis CK on being white