After reading three chapters from this book, here are a few quotes that stood out to me and why...
Chapter 1
"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. And we, therefore, are far from helpless to change it and ourselves." (Johnson, 4)
This quote to me means that there is power in words. This thing that is said to have taken people as prisoners is something that was taught and learned and it has been a continual choice of people to keep quiet when it comes to change and to not want the change. But if both sides, good and bad, were to be vocal, bold, and honest about what is going on then there could be chance for a more change.
Chapter 2
"Privilege is always at someone else's expense and always exacts a cost. Everything that's done to receive or maintain it- however passive and unconscious- results in suffering and deprivation for someone (Johnson, 10)
The thing about this is that people at the top keep making things more and more difficult for anyone of lower class or whatever it may be has no shot of getting where they are. And it is true, it might be something that they don't realize but that is because there is a selfish tunnel vision that does not allow for privileged people to see any situation other than their own and they don't realize how they are doing this at the cost of others.
Chapter 3
Chapter 3: "Privilege is present when a particular group possesses something valuable that is withheld from others solely based on the groups to which they belong, rather than any actions they have taken or failed to take" (Johnson, 21)
When reading this, the word that came to mind was "system". I would like to believe that anyone who puts in the work required to get to where they want to will actually get there but that is simply not the case. There are other obstacles that certain groups of people face that cause a hindrance to their ability to prosper as someone privileged could.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great analysis Heidi! Thank you for sharing your reflection on privilege. I think its systemic impact is impressive, emphasizing the importance of communication and courage in achieving a more just society. Very well expressed.
What a cool graphic,Heidi. Totally hooked me. Chapter 3 makes it easy for all people to reflect on their own privileges outside of just race. About Chapter 2 - I feel that the reason why the people at the top suffer "tunnel vision" and don't become "Color brave", as you'll hear in Meldoy Hobson's TedTalk, is because they do not take the time to reflect about world issues long enough to consider what they are not including in their social circles nor how they address the people of color around their life-style affairs.
ReplyDeleteI think that this was a very good reflection on privilege as we shared several ideas that I also put in my blog as well. I also liked how you talked about how there is power in words and how words can make a big impact on things.
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