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Blog #1 -Johnson and S.C.W.A.A.M.P.

In this book, it showed how certain traits can provide benefits while others face similar disadvantages. Allan G. Johnson’s book, Privilege, Power, and Difference, I read about how societal advantages are described unevenly based on characteristics such as race, gender, and social class. Johnson explains that these advantages, called "privilege," often go unnoticed by those who benefit from them. For instance, if you are white or male, you may not recognize the additional support and opportunities you receive because they are so easy to access that they seem normal. These privileges can significantly ease life’s challenges compared to what others might experience. Johnson emphasizes that the issue is not having privilege but rather being unaware of it. He draws a comparison to the SCWAAMP reading, which explores how traits like being male or white are valued in society. Johnson, acknowledging his own position as a white male, admits that he benefits from certain advantages, such as receiving better service or encountering fewer questions than his African American female friend in similar situations. He uses his position and knowledge to understand and address these issues, aiming to find ways to reduce inequality. Johnson’s goal is to help readers understand how these hidden advantages and discrimination work. Johnson argues that everyone plays a part in creating injustice because we all have different backgrounds and beliefs. He believes that by understanding and embracing our differences, we can work together to reduce injustice for everyone.

 

 

What are the challenges of having conversations about privilege and discrimination, and how can these conversations be made more constructive?

Challenges of Talking About Privilege and Inequality:

  1. Defensiveness: People might get defensive or feel attacked when discussing these topics because it can make them feel like they’re being blamed for problems they didn't cause.
  2. Misunderstanding: These conversations can be complicated, and not everyone may understand the issues the same way, leading to confusion or mixed messages.
  3. Strong Emotions: Topics like privilege and inequality can bring up strong feelings such as guilt or anger, which can make it hard to have a productive discussion.
  4. Power Imbalances: Sometimes, those with more privilege might dominate the conversation, while those who are most affected might not have their voices heard.
  5. Superficial Discussions: Sometimes discussions can become just about appearances or token gestures rather than addressing real issues or making real changes.

Comments

  1. JoanmarieSeptember 9, 2024 at 7:22 PM

    I like how you listed some of the reasons why we are unable to have productive conversations about privilege, especially your point about misunderstandings and how that affects these conversations.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Tiaja G.September 10, 2024 at 6:34 PM

    Acknowledging the challenges to the difficult conversations is so critical and a possible first step to even starting the conversation. Sometimes, when individuals become timid to having these discussions, it becomes a lot easier to avoid having them. Sometimes all it takes is saying "This conversation is hard for me to have but here's my understanding of it..." This allows access for everyone's understanding to flow through and points to be made.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Ms. Moreau's Literacy BlogSeptember 10, 2024 at 7:40 PM

    I liked how you talked about the solution to talk through change, but showed how it can be hard and you found ways to make this discussion easier.

    ReplyDelete
  4. tessSeptember 11, 2024 at 2:50 PM

    I especially enjoyed your discussion of the solution. I appreciate how you enumerated a few of the barriers that prevent us from having productive discussions on privilege.

    ReplyDelete

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