Blog Post A
Talking Points
1. Johnson notes that, when discussing the differences of people in society, "they think they're about to be told they've done something wrong. That blame and guilt aren't far behind, especially if they are white or male or heterosexual or of a privileged class." (viii). As a white male, having discussions about these differences with other people that share privileged identity markers can be difficult. I believe that moving beyond guilt and blame is a difficult hurdle, but absolutely necessary in order to build coalition across identity.
2. One quote from the text that resonates with me is when Johnson writes, "For myself, it means I have to take the initiative to find out how privilege operates in the world, how it affects people, and what all that has to do with me" (10). A lot of the time, those with dominant/privileged identities place the responsibility of educating SCWAAMP individuals on those without the privileged identity marker. Particularly for issues regarding race, this perpetuates unequal power dynamics in which the privileged person (white) uses the knowledge, education, resources, etc. of the underprivileged person (POC). If we identify as part of the SWAAMP identity markers, it is our job to educate ourselves so that we can then work to spread access and privilege to others.
3. Johnson paraphrases McIntosh in his discussion of "unearned entitlements" (i.e. working in a safe environment) versus "unearned advantages" (when that safe environment is only guaranteed to one identity). I find this to be a major hurdle for those entering into discussions on race and identity. At first, it is difficult to differentiate between additional access/opportunity for achievement through your privilege and actually obtaining those achievements. For those with a privileged identity markers (white) yet are also of low socioeconomic status, differentiating between these two is necessary before delving deeper into their own identities.
Argument Statement
Johnson argues that we must first acknowledge our differences in order to then move beyond them.
Talking Points
1. Johnson notes that, when discussing the differences of people in society, "they think they're about to be told they've done something wrong. That blame and guilt aren't far behind, especially if they are white or male or heterosexual or of a privileged class." (viii). As a white male, having discussions about these differences with other people that share privileged identity markers can be difficult. I believe that moving beyond guilt and blame is a difficult hurdle, but absolutely necessary in order to build coalition across identity.
2. One quote from the text that resonates with me is when Johnson writes, "For myself, it means I have to take the initiative to find out how privilege operates in the world, how it affects people, and what all that has to do with me" (10). A lot of the time, those with dominant/privileged identities place the responsibility of educating SCWAAMP individuals on those without the privileged identity marker. Particularly for issues regarding race, this perpetuates unequal power dynamics in which the privileged person (white) uses the knowledge, education, resources, etc. of the underprivileged person (POC). If we identify as part of the SWAAMP identity markers, it is our job to educate ourselves so that we can then work to spread access and privilege to others.
3. Johnson paraphrases McIntosh in his discussion of "unearned entitlements" (i.e. working in a safe environment) versus "unearned advantages" (when that safe environment is only guaranteed to one identity). I find this to be a major hurdle for those entering into discussions on race and identity. At first, it is difficult to differentiate between additional access/opportunity for achievement through your privilege and actually obtaining those achievements. For those with a privileged identity markers (white) yet are also of low socioeconomic status, differentiating between these two is necessary before delving deeper into their own identities.
Argument Statement
Johnson argues that we must first acknowledge our differences in order to then move beyond them.
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