My Thoughts on Privilege, Power and Difference
Alan G. Johnson
Argument Statement:
The author Alan Johnson argues that the trouble we are in as a society is not the product of human difference but rather the hierarchy and distribution of power and privilege created by dominant groups that remain part of our legacy. Power and privilege is awarded based on the categories we are assigned to beginning from birth. While we didn’t individually create these system arrangements, we are all part of the problem and it will take all of us to be the solution. It is only when we choose paths of greater resistance and challenge these systemic arrangements that can we become the change needed to ensure justice and equality for all.
Talking Points:
"We can’t talk about it if we can’t use the words” Johnson states that using words such as sexism, feminism and privilege allows us to clearly identify social problems, stating “We have to reclaim these lost and discredited words so that we can use them to name and make sense of the truth of what’s going on” However, we have been discouraged from using this language which is often viewed negatively and perceived as indirect criticism and judgement to a person’s character, causing individuals to feel uncomfortable and become defensive. We have an inherent desire to be seen in a good light. No one wants to be considered “bad” or flawed. Focusing the blame on social systems and removing it from individuals will allow for engaging, open and meaningful conversations promoting the collective action necessary for social change.
“To be white in America means not having to think about it” According to Johnson, “the ease of not being aware of privilege is an act of privilege itself, what some call “the luxury of obliviousness” (p24). There are two types of privilege- unearned entitlements and unearned advantage. Everyone should have the privilege of "unearned entitlements"- things that promote feelings of safety, belonging and being valued. When these entitlements are restricted to certain groups they become "unearned advantages." Peggy Mcintosh introduced the concept that dominant groups have an invisible knapsack filled with social maps, passbooks and codebooks- unearned advantages that ensure them access to opportunities and resources that marginal groups do not have. These advantages are not recognized as being anything other than normal creating a false invisibility. They attribute their achievements and success solely to their own individual effort, hard work and personal talents without recognizing the gained benefit of not having to navigate systemic barriers. This oblivion results from the normalization of privilege and those unearned advantages assigned by an unfair social hierarchy with no regard for the obstacles and struggles facing others. Simply put, having the privilege of unearned advantages means one does not have to have to work as hard or navigate those systemic barriers to produce the same outcomes. We must first recognize and acknowledge our privilege as such so that we can dismantle those barriers to make changes to social structure ensuring equity for all.
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“Privilege as Paradox” Johnson states “When it comes to privilege, it doesn’t really matter who we really are. What matters is who other people think we are, which is to say, the social categories they put us into” Privilege is assigned by the social groups or categories we are born into such as race, gender and class. He further states that all one must do is convince others you belong to the appropriate category to earn that privilege. Similarly, one can easily lose privilege if others don’t think you belong in a certain group. This causes me to consider the diversity wheel and the aspects that make up our identity-those we are born with and the experiences and choices we make. Shifting certain parts of the diversity wheel can change our lives drastically from how we are perceived to increasing our opportunities. A prime example of this is Dr. James Barry, who was born Margaret Ann Buckley in 1789, shifted the wheel by assuming a male identity allowing for greater privilege to access education and pursue a career in medicine - an opportunity that was only afforded to males. It didn’t really matter WHO she was or her abilities, it is what people thought that mattered. Assuming a male identity enabled her to be recognized as an individual rather than part of a marginalized group. Dr. Barry lived as a male for 56 years until her true gender was revealed at the time of death.
Making Connections:
While reading this, I couldn’t help but think of a video clip I had watched long ago. Truth be told, it was a pop up on Facebook! Ironically, I discovered that Alan Johnson also was taken by this episode and even included it in a later chapter of this book. It’s a great example of one person taking action by choosing the path of greater resistance and refusing to be a passive participant.
This is a clip from The Dick Cavett Show that aired in 1972 featuring guests Lily Tomlin and Chad Everett. Chad Everett commented on having three horses, three dogs and a wife. He further stated his wife was "the most beautiful animal" he owned. Lily Tomlin responded by saying “You own?... I have to leave” and she left! In doing so, she refused to remain silent in order to avoid friction. She did not smile in compliance, normalizing the behavior as society expected, especially during that era. Instead, with that one powerful action, she exposed patriarchal entitlement and sexist attitudes, such as reducing women to objects and possessions, created a very uncomfortable stage environment and prompted viewers to acknowledge the social injustice they had witnessed.
Reflections:
I found this text to be powerful and thought provoking. I read it multiple times, dissecting and discovering something new each time. I feel I have gained a greater awareness and understanding of what privilege and social injustice is and how it affects us all. I found myself, throughout the week, referencing some of the statements and ideas and making connections with everyday situations. Another reason it’s taken so long to complete this assignment!
So thoughtful, Lisa. Your key points are spot on.
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