The author Alan Johnson argues and advocates throughout the novel Power, Privilege, and Difference for people across society to recognize their differences and the privileges that come along with them. The piece presents a strong stance on having an honest and unbiased dialogue on recognizing the subconscious privileges and biases in our lives. The ignorance of these differences further instates the cycle of power and oppression within our society. We need to properly address using real and raw terms because we can not hide under smoke and mirrors when confronting real problems in the system of oppression that plague our society.
This further connects to S.C.W.A.A.M.P and the categories of privilege that are active within our society. The privileges of straightness, Christianity, whiteness, Americanness, able-bodiedness, maleness, and property ownership help create systems of equality that are hard to overcome within our society. Johnson tries to convey that people with these privileges are ignorant to those without them. By owning up to them and calling our behavior for what it is whether subconscious or not (sexist, homophobic, racist, etc.) we can create a significant change within our society that will allow us to start to fix the problems existing in our society that exist because of our privilege.
Essentially, Johnson’s main point is that we as a society need to accept our privileges (on the spectrum of S.C.W.A.A.M.P) and the difference in opportunities and power they have in our lives. It can be intimidating and uncomfortable to accept the fact that we are contributing to cycles of oppression but the only way to help fix the problem is to accept the fact that we have! Just because our society is built on that system of inequality or injustice does not mean it has to continue that way. We have the power and ability to change it. People with privilege need to recognize the fact that we have contributed to this inequality and bear responsibility for helping us correct our injustices. Therefore we accept the fact we have privileges and differences and try to create a better more inclusive society, for the sake of everyone.
A question I would like to propose is how we should start this cycle of change? Should certain situations be approached differently or should it be approached in the blunt perspective Johnson utilized throughout his piece? Attached is another article that offers another perspective of addressing our privileges The Uncertain World
Additionally, the image below also demonstrates the different types of common privilege within our lives.
Hi Maddie. I liked your analysis of Johnsons explanation of the acronym SCWAAMP. Also I think the questions that you posed are important. For instance, you mention whether or not we should approach a situation differently than we normally would. This is a good question with what I believe is a complex answer. Of course everyday life has its variations so it may be difficult to give you a straight answer. However, I can say that by recognizing power differences in our everyday lives can be the first step in helping our society move in a positive direction.
ReplyDeleteMaddie, I love the image you chose to help back up your argument. I agree with how you stated that we need to address our behavior so we can move forward and fix the problems within the society.
ReplyDeleteMaddie, I like that you talked about how we as a society need to get past the things that make us uncomfortable. Having raw discussions like this involving oppression and privilege is hard, and as humans we tend to avoid things we think are hard to do. Like you said one of the first steps is acceptance. Rather than getting defensive about what privilege we do or don't have, we should accept that almost everyone has privilege to some degree. By accepting what we have, it will be easier to give everyone fair and equal opportunities in life.
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