Johnson Chapter 4

Chapter 4: Making Privilege Happen

Thesis: People, or individuals, create the privilege that is attached to certain groups.

Argument/Support:
Johnson states that people make privilege by what they do or don’t do in relation to others, and discrimination is often a factor in this process (54). People view and treat others based on the social categories that they appear to be associated with. “Privilege happens through what people think and feel and do because discrimination is connected to these directly,” (55). People want and feel the need to be seen and accepted by others. “Inclusion and acceptance are key aspects of privilege,” (55). Many small actions show whether we welcome someone or not. If I were to look at a person while I spoke to them, then I am welcoming him. If I were to not do this for another person, then I displayed privilege to the first person and not to the second. Even if one’s intentions were not bad, others may feel and experience a sense of oppression. Therefore, one may create his/her own privilege or oppression. Individuals have created racism in America. One’s skin color is defined to determine one’s race, and blacks are the social category that is most oppressed due to racism. Johnson says that blacks may feel vulnerable to judgment daily because of their race and racism causes many to “see the worst” in blacks instead of the best (57). “Racism requires hypocrisy toward deeply held cultural values of fairness, decency, and justice,” (62). Even though cultural history has shown fairness to all, people still do not deal with difference well by discriminating against those of a different skin color. However, the trouble of privilege is not just on the blacks. The trouble is with everyone because everyone is part of one group or another, whether it be a privileged group or oppressed group. This means that everyone can do something about this trouble of privilege also. Individuals are all associated with certain groups and these groups therefore have the burden of the trouble placed on them as a whole too. “Much of the trouble is embedded in structures of power and inequality that shape almost every aspect of life in this society,” (66). Everyone has to come together and face this trouble as a society in order to change it.

Personal Response/Question:
Is privilege created more by the privileged as opposed to by the oppressed? Are privilege groups at fault for the trouble that exists? I believe that privilege can be created by any individual or group disregarding whether privileged or oppressed. Privileged people may be seen as “at fault” or “the bad guys” but some may have good intentions that are taken the wrong way. Yes, several privileged individuals want all the power, control, and superiority at whatever cost, but some do care about those that are oppressed. In order to change the problem of privilege though, everyone is needed because everyone is involved.
Everyone makes privilege happen in one way or another. Sometimes it may be unintentional, but that does not take the trouble away. I do not think it is very likely that the trouble of privilege will ever be fixed. I do hope for a better tomorrow though, one in which our children do not judge based on color and every person is given somewhat equal opportunity. Just this would be a huge step to take, but it is very possible if everyone comes together and wants the trouble to change. Some people, mostly the privileged, may not want any changes because they do not have to deal with oppression daily. Everyone needs to want to change the trouble in order to try to change it.