Talking Points # 10 Johnson

In this article, Johnson argues that it is imperative for people to acknowledge the existence of social problems like racism and sexism, but in particular privilege and oppressive social systems. He believes that this is the first and most important step in the process. Additionally, he believes that it is also important for people to recognize the importance of small contributions to the solutions of these problems.

• "Privilege is a feature of social systems, not individuals. People have or don't have privilege depending on the system they're in and the social categories other people put them in."

I like this quote because I think it is one of the most significant themes of all of the readings we have done. The idea that the most harmful and lasting forms of discrimination are systematic rather than individual is important. Systematic racism affects children in our educational systems immensely, as I pointed out in my last blog. Johnson recognizes that in order to confront and eventually eliminate different types of discrimination, you need to identify it first.

• "No social system lasts forever, but this is especially true of oppressive systems of privilege"

When I read this statement I started to think about the comments that Allyson made on this article. I sort of understand where she is coming from in her critical analysis of certain aspects of the article. Johnson is making an optimistic point about oppressive systems having the tendency to change eventually. I agree with this comment, and I applaud his enthusiasm and optimism on the matter. But, when I think of oppressive systems of privilege I think about old money, I think about rich old white men and they way that the most powerful of such control our country. I think about the people who used to live in the mansions of Newport (where I live), and their slaves and eventually servants. I think about the amount of money that they had, and have and how that money gives them endless power in society. There has been a powerful class of wealthy white people that indirectly rule this country since the Industrial Revolution made it possible for them to. Today, many of the same families are still spending and abusing that old money to continue to indirectly rule this country. So in terms of that oppressive system, and actually most that I can think of, change hasnt been fast, or even existent.

• "The more you pay attention to privilege and oppression, the more you'll see opportunities to do something about them"

I agree with the statement that being more aware makes you more aware of ways of to help. The idea of 'what to do' is something I have given a tremendous amount of thought to. I think that this is an area that we can expand on immensely. How many people in this class would do something productive and helpful, would volunteer their time and effort, if they had an opportunity in front of them? I think most people would be willing and eager to help, they just dont know what to do. I had a teacher that constantly criticized his students for not 'acting', and for 'waiting for the world to change'. He was active, in his youth, in rallies, demonstrations, etc. Personally, I look for things to do and have participated, on some levels, in things I care about. I am a member of a couple of organizations, MOVEON.ORG, is basically a progressive Democratic leaning organization that was set up during the Bush administration to inform people on things that were going on and to help them move forward. I am also a member of the Sierra Club, which focuses on enviornmental issues, and WalmartWatch, which is a sort of interesting one that focuses on the harmful effects that Walmart has on society. I am also an active member of NORML (National Organization for the Reformation of Marijuana Laws), where I donate money and occasionally write standard letters that people use and mail out to various officials. I include these things in my blog because I am sure there are many people who are wondering what they can do, and while they may not agree with the causes that I support, I encourage them to become a member of any organization. It is very easy to do, and easy to learn about.