Argument Statement: The author, Allan Johnson argues that privilege exists in the world in many different facets. As a society, hiding behind the privileges and not accepting their truth is only damaging the situation. As a result, it is continuing its perpetuation for future generations.
Talking Points:
In the context of the article, my argument statement is best supported by one of the following quotes, “We are not prisoners to some natural order that pits us hopelessly and endlessly against one another. We are prisoners to something, but it's closer to our own making than we realize” (Johnson, pg.4). I believe that in this quote Johnson is trying to describe privilege not as something that is slated as law or has direct orders to be followed. As a society we create division by hiding the fact that privilege exists in the world. By thinking that privilege “doesn’t apply to us” or saying “I don’t have privileges” is persisting the problem that exists rather than looking for a solution. By recognizing that there are privileges, it then allows us to unpack or own social constructs and better bridge the gaps that exist between race, gender, culture and class.
In the middle of the article Johnson brings forth the following idea, “Ignoring privilege keeps us in a state of unreality, by promoting the illusion that difference by itself is the problem”(Johnson, pg.15). When analyzing privilege many people want to point the finger that it is because there are visual differences,and that is why privilege exists. Johnson is saying that although differences exist, being different is not the problem. Every individual is different in their own way. The truth behind the problem is that we as a society do not want to name that there is a divide amongst people. We want to continue on our normal way rather than drive change. We want to create a false sense of reality that we are not ‘using’ our privilege to gain advantages when in reality that is the truth.
I found the following quote rather eye opening, “Any category that lowers our status relative to others can be used to mark ‘us’; to be privileged is to go through life with the relative ease of being unmarked.” (Johnson, pg.34). I really thought about what Johnson was saying here and I wondered if I had ever been marked? Was I a person who was ‘unmarked’? When I answer the questions inside the elements of the diversity wheel; white, male, mid 20’s, able, heterosexual, educated. Based on my responses to these questions and the structures of privilege it leads me to believe I fall into the unmarked category. This floods my brain with a multitude of questions including have I ever used my privilege unknowingly to benefit myself? To which I could probably answer yes (not proudly). I also asked myself what am I doing to bridge the gap with those who are marked? Am I tackling the bigger problem? Or am I hiding without even being cognizant of my actions? Am I someone who is continuing to perpetuate the problem rather than creating the solution?
Building Connections:
A day or two after reading Johnson’s article “Privilege, Power and Difference”, I was watching TikTok when a video came up on my feed. In the video, a black woman was running at night with no head lamp or light source. She came across a white male who was running but he did have a headlamp and light. She stopped him and said that she felt scared while running in the dark because there were quite a few other people running as well. She asked the man if she could run with him since he had a form of light. The initial thing she says is, “I know this might sound stupid but, I don’t feel safe”. Initially this made me think back to the article, first off it was brave of her to put herself in a vulnerable position based on the societal power differences. Secondly, it is clear that privilege has perpetuated itself. Based on the understanding of privilege, but also making assumptions, the white male may have never thought of being unsafe while running at night. On the contrary, I would be making an assumption that up to that point all the black woman could think about was feeling unsafe. At this moment, she invited the dominant group of the situation to be part of the solution. I wonder would the man ever think to ask if she would want to run with him because she didn’t have a light? Did the man really create equal ground, or was the woman the driving factor where she had to put herself in an uncomfortable position?
Ted Talk Videos:
Understanding My Privilege | Sue Borrego | TEDxPasadenaWomen
Recognizing Privilege: Power to all people
Conversation with ChatGPT: Hiding Behind Privilege
I asked ChatGPT what society would look like if we stopped hiding behind the privileges that exist in the world. It was quite interesting what its response was.
Hi Noah,
ReplyDeleteI found the quote from Johnson on p. 15 to truly stick with me as well. Individuals create this false truth that being different is the issue, and of course that is not the case. Humans are different - no two humans are truly identical or will always agree with one another. Many individuals ignore their own privileges because they simply do not want to address it. Acknowledging privilege means confronting the uncomfortable reality that some people have advantages and power that others don't have.
I really appreciate the series of questions you ask yourself in the 3rd talking point. I am so interested so go read your convo with Chat GPT!
ReplyDeleteNoah, I really appreciate how intentionally you engaged with Johnson’s work, especially your willingness to place yourself inside the framework instead of speaking about privilege in the abstract. Your connection to the idea of being “unmarked” stood out to me. That moment of self interrogation you describe feels like one of the hardest and most necessary steps in this work. Naming that you likely benefit from systems without always being conscious of it is not easy, and it reflects the kind of honesty Johnson is calling for.
ReplyDeleteI also found your TikTok example powerful. What struck me most was your question about who is doing the labor to create safety and equity in that moment. The woman had to name her fear, make herself vulnerable, and invite the man into awareness. That mirrors Johnson’s argument that privilege often includes the luxury of not having to think about danger, while others are forced to be constantly aware. Your reflection made me think about how often marginalized people are expected to initiate change or ask for protection, rather than those with privilege proactively recognizing their role.
Your questions at the end feel especially important. Asking whether you are unknowingly perpetuating the problem or actively working toward a solution shows growth beyond simple acknowledgment. To me, that is where moving from awareness to responsibility begins. Overall, your response demonstrates real engagement, not defensiveness, and that is what makes conversations about privilege productive rather than performative.
Noah, great post. I really enjoyed reading through your thoughts. Your connection to the TikTok video was a very good point. Not feeling safe can come up in many everyday activities. We need to acknowledge our privileges and know that not everyone has them. Your talking point about how sometimes people think privilege does not apply to them is important to note. We need to note, as you said, that gaps do exist. Without noting this inequality continues to exist.
ReplyDelete