"Privilege, Power, and Differences." Johnson

In the opening chapters of his book, Johnson describes the functions of privilege and the obstacles faced by those without privilege. In his writing, he describes the connection of the individual to the “troubles” presented by our society’s navigation of issues of gender, race, sexual orientation, ethnicity, social class, etc. He goes into great detail explaining who has privilege and who lacks it, and unless you’ve been living in a social vacuum, many contemporary readers will be all too familiar with where the privilege lies.

I had to take a moment just now to go back and insert the word “many” in the above sentence. As an educator, albeit a novice one, I’ve been cautious to check, acknowledge, and revise my assumptions often and early. As I read through Johnson’s writing, it first seemed like old news to me: I have a pretty firm understanding of the roles of privilege, power, and oppression in our society; I have learned to check my own privilege; I’ve benefited from a comprehensive college education; and I’ve taught students how to analyze texts for the presence of S.C.W.A.A.M.P values. Good for me, right? I guess I can give myself a pat on the back for doing my part to combat racism and oppression, right? I don’t think so. That assumption is still underlying that “many” are familiar with the concepts presented by Johnson. I am constantly bewildered by the ignorance that is broadcast by those with hateful rhetoric and a knack for grabbing the spotlight. Perhaps my bewilderment is part of the problem. It stems from that assumption that people today are able to recognize issues of privilege, discrimination, and prejudice—even issues of right vs. wrong and common human decency. 

To bring it back to Johnson, he does offer some insights into how to address these issues. Like Johnson, I have benefited from the privileges enjoyed by straight, white, able-bodied, American men. What I found interesting about his writing were his thoughts on bridging the gaps between SCWAAMP and non-SCWAAMP experiences by studying the experience, research, and writings of others; and also, how the issues minorities face is connected to the reality that the majority don’t have to face in that “privilege is always at someone else’s expense and always exacts a cost” (10). That “cost” has been on display for hundreds of years and still hangs over the heads of those on both sides of the equation. Those with the privilege and the ability to acknowledge it often feel the pangs of guilt and discomfort when considering the cost. Those feelings, instead of being ignored or buried, have the potential to propel the privileged towards an equitable solution. As Johnson maintains, our “troubles” won’t be solved unless those with privilege “feel obligated to make the problem of privilege their problem to do something about” (10).