Wednesday, October 4, 2023
Where White Privilege Comes From--Johnson
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1MlYKq6A-sHrXZtctDOwZbtV4d3sbTx-M9dahrVF1Sx0/edit
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Argument: Johnson argues that, "systems and people only exist in relation to each other". If we are not part of the solution we are part of the problem. That is his main point. We need to be more than just participants. We need to be advocates. The world we live in is a result of our actions. We need to not have resistance to the idea that actions have consequences. We need to be accountable. Oppression is more than just a "big" problem. It is something we each have an active role in. There is a relationship between institutions and the people who are in charge of it. The way in which the privileged use their power determines how just our systems are. We need to look outside of ourselves and understand that people are being impacted because of our actions.
A group of people in Greensboro, North Carolina wanted to settle this. A group of 4 African-American college students wanted to be served lunch in a restaurant. They were refused service because of their skin color. They refused to give up. They continued to return with an even bigger support group. They were manhandled and treated with disrespect. Similar sit-ins had happened after this throughout the South. This was the end of this type of segregation. Although it is unpopular to stand up for what is right, people are responsible for changing systems. They cannot be changed without action. We need to go against the path of least resistance-- "the luxury of obliviousness".
We can take the blame off of ourselves and say that history has nothing to do with us or this happened before we were born. However, privilege is generational and can be passed down. We can use our privilege to benefit others too.
Question for class: Since equality and justice are confused quite often, what is the difference between the two words? How can we play a part is using our privilege for good?
Article that relates to blog: https://www.learningforjustice.org/magazine/fall-2018/what-is-white-privilege-really
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I had a better understanding of white privilege after reading this article. Most people, and you can see through the comments, think white privilege is white people live a better life or worked hard for what they have so how is it considered privilege. They do not consider that white people have more opportunities or easier access to resources. I have the same question you asked which is how to use our privilege for good or to benefit others?
ReplyDeleteWe must be accountable for our actions. If you remain silent and stay on the path of least resistance, change does not occur. It is important for individuals to recognize the system at play and what their role within that system is. Once you see this, you can identify as part of the problem or part of the solution and make adjustments accordingly to achieve change within an oppressed institution.
ReplyDeleteGreat blog and nice questions at the end. People of privilege need to use this privilege to help alleviate societal inequities. It is going to take time and effort from everyone.
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