This author, Alan G. Johnson, argues that inequality is created and maintained by interconnected systems of privilege and power rather than individual intentions, and that real change starts with recognizing and challenging those systems.
In the first three chapters of Privilege, Power, and Difference, Johnson makes it clear that inequality is not just about individual people being prejudiced or unfair. Instead, he focuses on how larger systems shape our behavior and experiences, whether we realize it or not. What I liked about his approach is that he does not frame the issue as blaming individuals, but as understanding how society works. As I read, a few moments from the beginning, middle, and end of the text really stood out to me and helped me better understand his overall point.
At the beginning of the book, Johnson talks about how issues like racism and sexism are often treated as personal problems instead of systemic ones. One idea that stuck with me was his claim that you can be a good, well-meaning person and still benefit from an unfair system. That helped explain why conversations about privilege can feel so uncomfortable. People tend to hear criticism of the system as criticism of themselves.
In the middle of the reading, Johnson’s discussion of privilege being invisible really stood out. He explains that privilege feels normal to the people who have it, which is why it often goes unnoticed. That made a lot of sense to me, because it is hard to question something that feels like “just the way things are.” I also kept thinking about responsibility. If privilege is something people are born into, what are they actually expected to do about it? Johnson seems to argue that simply being aware is not enough, but awareness is still an important place to start.
Toward the end of the reading, Johnson connects privilege to bigger systems like capitalism and social class, and talks about how different forms of inequality overlap. His idea of a matrix of domination helped me understand that people do not fall neatly into categories of either privileged or oppressed. Someone can experience both at the same time depending on their situation. Overall, this reading made me disheartened, because it made me focus on what an undertaking getting people to recognize their privilege and act to neutralize it is. I know we can't quit trying to do what is right, but reading this reminded me of how tiring it is to keep "fighting the good fight."
This was such a pleasure to read, I love how you integrated your thoughts and questions so smoothly in this post. Your larger points about the systemic nature of inequality, and especially how disheartening it can be, really resonated with me.
ReplyDeleteI really appreciated the point you make about people being asked to take personal responsibility over systemic failures. It made me think of the conversation about global warming, especially in the 80s and 90s. People were told repeatedly that they needed to drive less, put the heat down, etc. when in reality large industries contributed for most of the pollution.
Hello Symone! I appreciate your take on this weeks reading. For your middle talking point " If privilege is something people are born into, what are they actually expected to do about it? Johnson seems to argue that simply being aware is not enough, but awareness is still an important place to start." drew me into my own tunnel of thoughts regarding socioeconomic status and privilege. We see some great philanthropists in society But there's a lump some more with money who find it insulting when people push for them to donate. Sometimes I see working class people defend Jeff Bezos saying he earned all his money....but "...privilege is alway's at someone else's expense and always exacts a cost." (pg. 10)
ReplyDeleteSuch a great summary -- this is how I read Johnson as well. I feel like his emphasis on the systemic is really important. Go checkout Lexi's blog for a powerful critique however!
ReplyDeleteI liked how clearly you explained Johnson's main ideas, especially the idea that privilege can be invisible to those who benefit from it. Your point about awareness being only the first step really stood out.
ReplyDeleteHi Symone! Thanks for sharing your reflection on our reading. I agree that there is something disheartening about the topics discussed. Your closing comments make me think about trying to raise kids with more awareness of their privilege. The hope is that they are the future and they can have have an influence on the system. It is especially hard as they get older and begin to develop their own opinions. I feel like this is our opportunity to "change how we think so that we can change how we act, and by changing how we participate in the world, become part of the complex dynamic through which the world itself will change" as Johnson mentions.
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