Johnson Chapter 5

Chapter 5: The Trouble with the Trouble

Thesis: The problem of difference and our system of privilege is a result of a lack of universality. By this, I mean that privilege is not a key issue/concern to EVERYONE. Dominant groups usually do not deal with the issue of privilege and oppression, and if they do they do not put much effort into it.

Argument/Support:
As Johnson puts it best, “Privilege has to be as much an issue for the dominant groups as it is for those who bear the brunt of the oppression it causes in everyday life,” (69). “Dominant groups don’t see privilege as a problem for various reasons,” (69). One reason is the mere fact that the dominant groups do not notice the problem. They are unaware of such a problem especially because they do not have the oppression to face daily. Another reason why they do not see privilege as a problem is that they do not need to unless a serious event alters the flow of things. Dominant groups also may see privilege as a personal problem. They think, “If other people get less, it’s up to them to do something about it,” (70). Dominant groups do not want to lose their privilege either. When someone has something good why let it go? A final reason why dominant groups do not see privilege as a problem is because they fear being blamed for the problem and experiencing a guilty conscience. Johnson mentions and explains two strategies for communicating to the dominant groups. The first strategy is the “tin cup” approach, which depends on an impulse of generosity toward others (72). However, most people are not very willing to help those that need help. The second strategy is the “business case” approach, which emphasizes doing something about privilege and oppression because it makes organizations work better (73). This strategy depends on the results-if organizations really do work better or not. Privileged groups must view the problem as their own so that they feel the need to do something to change it. They need that “reason to feel committed to change,” (75). Barriers need to be removed across difference and we all have to realize that we are all a part of privilege in order to change the trouble with privilege.

Personal Response/Question:
As I asked before, “When someone has something good why let it go?” Privileged groups should be willing to give up their privilege for society and the future of society. Their children may one day be part of an oppressed group if the system of privilege continues. To not be willing to give it up would be natural, but also selfish and greedy. Sometimes players have to make sacrifices for the team. We are all involved in this system of privilege and we are all in this together, so we need to change.
We need to convince everyone to work together somehow. During any natural disasters or similar event there seems to be more of a sense of unity in the country as a whole. However, soon after that unity disappears again. Everyone is in this together. Dominant groups have to see that if the oppressed groups go down, then they go down too. Not recognizing the trouble in privilege is a serious issue and may lead to long term disaster. We need to find a great persuasive speaker and have him/her convince everyone to join together in order to be able to save our society from the trouble of privilege.