Privilege, Power, and Difference
Allan Johnson
Reflection:
After reading this text, I was struck by how many people remain in denial about both past and present social issues. Many individuals in today’s society are unaware or choose to ignore the realities of privilege and oppression. Whether intentional or not, we all exist within societal structures that shape our experiences. Johnson emphasizes that even though we often see ourselves as individuals, that doesn’t mean we can’t challenge the system and step outside our comfort zones to recognize broader social patterns. Johnson then dives deeper into the complexity of these issues, which go far beyond what’s visible on the surface. The problems we face both historically and today are embedded in institutions like education, employment, media, and social media. The list will go on and on, but as a society, we shouldn’t allow it to continue unchallenged. As a white female, I’ve come to realize that one of the most important things I can do is encourage others to look beyond surface-level assumptions. We need to shift our perspectives and consider the experiences of those directly affected by these systems. Finally, Johnson explores how oppression is rooted in various intersecting factors those who hold power, those who profit, and those who are marginalized. I found this particularly powerful because it reveals that privilege is not always straightforward. For example, a white person can still struggle with poverty. This helps illustrate how everyone is placed within complex and often invisible societal categories.
Overall, this reading taught me a lot about being more informed and self-aware when it comes to social and political issues. Although I believed I was already aware, this challenged me to think more critically. The systemic patterns that many people feel "trapped" in should serve as motivation for all of us to become more conscious, compassionate, and committed to change.
