In chapter 8 Allan Johnson’s book Privilege, Power and Difference, a point about society’s problems is addressed. Johnson addresses the problem of inequalities between groups of people based on characteristics such as race, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, and ethnicity. He writes this chapter encouraging people to stand up for underprivileged people. The less powerful people do not have the access to change their position and Johnson says that they need help from the powerful and the prestigious. This chapter is a call to action for the powerful. People from powerful classifications make excuses why they don’t help people who are less prestigious, and that gets rid of the possibility for these groups to equalize. The examples that Johnson gives are how powerful people blame the victim, rename the power struggle, claim that people like it this way, claim that they are joking it shouldn’t be taken seriously, and claim they are one of the good people in their social standings. He then goes on to show that people claim they hear about racism every time they turn on the television. The person speaking to Johnson says he is sick of all the news reports about racism and thinks it is an topic that is discussed too often. The man speaking to Johnson claims he gets uncomfortable when the topic arises.
I slightly agree with Johnson on this chapter because I have noticed both myself and other people around me making excuses about why they haven’t did their part in ending power struggles among men and women, different races, different sexual interests, different age levels, and whether they are fully able or have slight to major disabilities in some way. Some evidence that may disprove his excuse theory would be that the excuses may be true. In a culture with a history of racism, people have grown to live life by them without thinking, even if everyone decided not to be racist, there would still be a high percentage of racist people. To get rid of racism, one would have to go through several generations of socializing children into a non-racist society. This opinion conflicts with Johnson’s because he thinks racism and other power struggles can be solved overnight and frankly that’s very improbable if not impossible. Overall, the chapter was well written and it can be used as a great reading for people who want to learn more about the division of power among different kinds of people.
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
Chapter 2
Chapter two talks about how Americans are in trouble due to their actions between one another. Johnson talks about how people use privilege to feel better about them and be more accepted amongst those we look up to. In order to feel superior a privilege group will often show violence or discrimination towards a group of people they think they are better than. Johnson states that in order to change the current situation is to acknowledge the problem at hand on both sides of the issue. If the privileged group never admits to their being a problem the under privileged will stay that way.
By social construction the message can get across to the privileged and help to end what we experience today. Once the problem is acknowledged then a solution can be acknowledged as well. In order to demonstrate his point he showed comparisons of privileged to unprivileged groups. The groups showed handicapped with non- handicapped, homosexual and heterosexual, whites to blacks, and males and females. All the underprivileged groups, homosexual, blacks, non-handicapped, and women were found to be less likely to get a price on a car.
Privilege is a problem and needs to be taken care or our society will continue to suffer. Johnson brings up a valid point that each sides needs to recognize the differences between us and why that results in a privileged group? If both sides come together the fabric of our society will remain intact and we will be able to live together with out hatred. The fact that one person can feel dominant to another sickens me and needs to strike everyone as wrong. Though I do not believe we will see this happen in our lifetime if an effort was made America could become truly unified. We have progressed, slowly but surely, and in time the color of skin or gender may some day be irrelevant.
Johnson’s writing in Chapter two showed information the presence of discrimination and the effects it has on society. It showed that homosexuals, blacks, non-handicapped, and women were all subjected to being harassed far more than there counter part privileged group. There is no way it can be acceptable for a group of people o be unsure if they can take the subway without encountering attacks. There is no way someone should fear what may be said at work. There is absolutely no way we should tolerate discrimination of any kind in our society.
By social construction the message can get across to the privileged and help to end what we experience today. Once the problem is acknowledged then a solution can be acknowledged as well. In order to demonstrate his point he showed comparisons of privileged to unprivileged groups. The groups showed handicapped with non- handicapped, homosexual and heterosexual, whites to blacks, and males and females. All the underprivileged groups, homosexual, blacks, non-handicapped, and women were found to be less likely to get a price on a car.
Privilege is a problem and needs to be taken care or our society will continue to suffer. Johnson brings up a valid point that each sides needs to recognize the differences between us and why that results in a privileged group? If both sides come together the fabric of our society will remain intact and we will be able to live together with out hatred. The fact that one person can feel dominant to another sickens me and needs to strike everyone as wrong. Though I do not believe we will see this happen in our lifetime if an effort was made America could become truly unified. We have progressed, slowly but surely, and in time the color of skin or gender may some day be irrelevant.
Johnson’s writing in Chapter two showed information the presence of discrimination and the effects it has on society. It showed that homosexuals, blacks, non-handicapped, and women were all subjected to being harassed far more than there counter part privileged group. There is no way it can be acceptable for a group of people o be unsure if they can take the subway without encountering attacks. There is no way someone should fear what may be said at work. There is absolutely no way we should tolerate discrimination of any kind in our society.
Chapter 3
The goal of Chapter 3 was for Johnson to identify what difference and what it means. Johnson states that we should not live in fear or act with hatred with those that are different. He says differences between people are fine until one group of people decides they are better than another. This creates a privileged group, something that encourages discrimination by classify others based on color, sex, race, or even being disabled. In this chapter Johnson assigns a point system to show what some people feel are traits that are better than others. This gave each dominant characteristic one point and the weaker gene negative one points. These traits are the very things I talked about early that people of privilege discriminate against.
Johnson believes that racism was formed when capitalism was introduced into society. This created a racism in which whites felt they were superior to blacks. The racism that was created stemmed not from the color of skin but the power of money in the hands of one race. Capitalism relies on classes and the difference between a rich upper class is far from the poverty stricken low class. With their money behind them rich, white males bullied the poor class, which happen to include most blacks. Blacks were the most obvious targets for these men because they were poor and different.
Johnson raises a very valid point when stating that it is not difference that destroys us, but when a difference is decided to be inferior is when discrimination and racism can take over. Johnson’s numbering system seemed eerie but accurate to what people of privilege see when they look at person. The points are given or taken away depending on your gender, race, sex, sexuality, or if your disabled. These traits are shallow superficial views of how people are viewed through the eyes of someone he believes they are superior to others.
I think it is very interesting that Johnson brings up the point that capitalism created a new form of racism. It is an interesting point, and accurate because with Capitalism came a wealthily upper class consisting of white, slave owning, aristocratic males who used their money to establish dominance over an entire race. This dominance allowed white males to force a race into slavery that had virtually no money. This is also a factor in why even today whites enjoy much more luxuries due to holding the amount of money that a wealthy class enjoys, and blacks still remain much more poor.
Johnson believes that racism was formed when capitalism was introduced into society. This created a racism in which whites felt they were superior to blacks. The racism that was created stemmed not from the color of skin but the power of money in the hands of one race. Capitalism relies on classes and the difference between a rich upper class is far from the poverty stricken low class. With their money behind them rich, white males bullied the poor class, which happen to include most blacks. Blacks were the most obvious targets for these men because they were poor and different.
Johnson raises a very valid point when stating that it is not difference that destroys us, but when a difference is decided to be inferior is when discrimination and racism can take over. Johnson’s numbering system seemed eerie but accurate to what people of privilege see when they look at person. The points are given or taken away depending on your gender, race, sex, sexuality, or if your disabled. These traits are shallow superficial views of how people are viewed through the eyes of someone he believes they are superior to others.
I think it is very interesting that Johnson brings up the point that capitalism created a new form of racism. It is an interesting point, and accurate because with Capitalism came a wealthily upper class consisting of white, slave owning, aristocratic males who used their money to establish dominance over an entire race. This dominance allowed white males to force a race into slavery that had virtually no money. This is also a factor in why even today whites enjoy much more luxuries due to holding the amount of money that a wealthy class enjoys, and blacks still remain much more poor.
Monday, January 22, 2007
Savagery among Settlers
Throughout history civilizations have considered themselves superior to others and deemed certain civilizations as savages. These savages were often given this label due to a difference in cultures such as religion, how they dressed, or what weapons they carried. England did this with their neighbors the Irish mainly because of their lack of religion. Europe did the same thing in America when they decided the native who lived there where savage and unworthy of living with them. They stole the native’s children and tried to convert them to Christianity and tortured them in various ways. Shakespeare predated this in his play The Tempest he depicts the savage as dark skinned and with freckled showing the radicalization of savagery.
When describing savages the white settlers falsely labeled them with many stereotypes. The Indians were far from what these settlers called savage and in fact demonstrated many of the very characteristics the natives were accused of. Even Columbus, who murdered and took many natives as slaves, described them as kind people who loved their neighbors. When the settlers were experiencing a harsh winter and were starving from the cold local Indians delivered food to the colony and in doing so kept them alive. Meanwhile the settlers were digging up graves to eat the flesh of fellow settlers and murdering family members and children to provide food for them. They then replayed the native by attacking their villages in order to steal their food. When the white settlers described the natives they depicted them as savages who were ruthless cannibals. In reality the cannibals were the white settlers who demonstrated actions far more savage like behavior than the kind natives.
Soon the cultural differences took a toll on the far more primitive natives whose bow and arrows were no matches for the gun power of the settlers. The settlers began to attempt to convert the Indians to Christianity by any means necessary. A war was aged on this civilization nod the white settlers, though in a new land, clearly had the upper hand. They raided villages destroying homes and killing all men, women, and children that stand in their way. That, however, wasn’t enough for the vicious settlers. They also tricked the Indians through trades and treaties. On one occasion a white settler lead others into a village to purpose a peace treaty between the two civilizations. Upon completion of the treaty he had the Indians toast to the occasion but the wine in their glasses were poisoned and the settlers viciously murdered the villagers who were not killed by the poison.
To call these natives savages is inaccurate and wrong. The cultural differences between the two civilizations should be respected and acknowledge which would allow these civilizations to learn from each other. Instead one civilization decided to take over the other by marking them as ruthless savages. In reality it was the “civilized” settlers who acted ruthless and deserved to be labeled as savage. The natives provided the settlers of food when they needed it sacrificing food during a harsh winter. One of the biggest problems the settlers had with these natives was their lack of Christianity. Though this civilization didn’t follow Christ they lived with love for their neighbors, a commandment for Christians to follow, while the settlers attacked their neighbors
When describing savages the white settlers falsely labeled them with many stereotypes. The Indians were far from what these settlers called savage and in fact demonstrated many of the very characteristics the natives were accused of. Even Columbus, who murdered and took many natives as slaves, described them as kind people who loved their neighbors. When the settlers were experiencing a harsh winter and were starving from the cold local Indians delivered food to the colony and in doing so kept them alive. Meanwhile the settlers were digging up graves to eat the flesh of fellow settlers and murdering family members and children to provide food for them. They then replayed the native by attacking their villages in order to steal their food. When the white settlers described the natives they depicted them as savages who were ruthless cannibals. In reality the cannibals were the white settlers who demonstrated actions far more savage like behavior than the kind natives.
Soon the cultural differences took a toll on the far more primitive natives whose bow and arrows were no matches for the gun power of the settlers. The settlers began to attempt to convert the Indians to Christianity by any means necessary. A war was aged on this civilization nod the white settlers, though in a new land, clearly had the upper hand. They raided villages destroying homes and killing all men, women, and children that stand in their way. That, however, wasn’t enough for the vicious settlers. They also tricked the Indians through trades and treaties. On one occasion a white settler lead others into a village to purpose a peace treaty between the two civilizations. Upon completion of the treaty he had the Indians toast to the occasion but the wine in their glasses were poisoned and the settlers viciously murdered the villagers who were not killed by the poison.
To call these natives savages is inaccurate and wrong. The cultural differences between the two civilizations should be respected and acknowledge which would allow these civilizations to learn from each other. Instead one civilization decided to take over the other by marking them as ruthless savages. In reality it was the “civilized” settlers who acted ruthless and deserved to be labeled as savage. The natives provided the settlers of food when they needed it sacrificing food during a harsh winter. One of the biggest problems the settlers had with these natives was their lack of Christianity. Though this civilization didn’t follow Christ they lived with love for their neighbors, a commandment for Christians to follow, while the settlers attacked their neighbors
Sunday, January 21, 2007
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
Framework Essay
Differences between us have throughout history resulted in discrimination of others. Whether that discrimination is towards a race, sex, or sexual preferences it can tear people apart and create hatred and sometimes even violence. This hatred can be seen in American cinema and media and though through time our culture has made progress we still have a way to go.
Racism in media can be seen in the early 1900’s when D.W. Griffith made a movie titled The Birth of a Nation. The movie portrayed the KKK, as heroic and lead to a rise in the group, which committed many violent, hate crimes against black Americans. The murderous group killed many and gained the support of many Southern leaders who had the power to look away from the crimes. This movie was given full support by President Woodrow Wilson who was actually quoted in the movie. There are also many movies that attack these issues and fight for equality. Cinema has been a large contributor to the advancement of issues of sexism, racism, and homosexuality. One of the earliest of these movies was a landmark movie that was based on the book To Kill a Mockingbird. To Kill a Mockingbird is the story of a poor black man who is wrongfully accused of raping a white woman. A white lawyer, Gregory Peck, decides to take the mans case despite the communities effort to intimidate him and his family.
Though many movies still promote racial, sexual, and sexual preference stereotypes many directors have created movies to fight this. There still is a lot of hatred towards various groups of people in America but we are going in the right direction. Though there will never be complete acceptance amongst all people who reside in our country, and around the world for that matter, media can help to steer us towards equality. Media has a huge influence on Americans and can be used to either help minority group’s progress towards equality or send us the wrong way all together. Hopefully the leaders of our media will help these social struggles and we can take equality to the next level.
Racism in media can be seen in the early 1900’s when D.W. Griffith made a movie titled The Birth of a Nation. The movie portrayed the KKK, as heroic and lead to a rise in the group, which committed many violent, hate crimes against black Americans. The murderous group killed many and gained the support of many Southern leaders who had the power to look away from the crimes. This movie was given full support by President Woodrow Wilson who was actually quoted in the movie. There are also many movies that attack these issues and fight for equality. Cinema has been a large contributor to the advancement of issues of sexism, racism, and homosexuality. One of the earliest of these movies was a landmark movie that was based on the book To Kill a Mockingbird. To Kill a Mockingbird is the story of a poor black man who is wrongfully accused of raping a white woman. A white lawyer, Gregory Peck, decides to take the mans case despite the communities effort to intimidate him and his family.
Though many movies still promote racial, sexual, and sexual preference stereotypes many directors have created movies to fight this. There still is a lot of hatred towards various groups of people in America but we are going in the right direction. Though there will never be complete acceptance amongst all people who reside in our country, and around the world for that matter, media can help to steer us towards equality. Media has a huge influence on Americans and can be used to either help minority group’s progress towards equality or send us the wrong way all together. Hopefully the leaders of our media will help these social struggles and we can take equality to the next level.
Columbus
History books have been documented the events of the past through the eyes of those in power at that time period. When these people have something to be embarrassed or ashamed of they can shape and twist history books to reflect how they wish to be viewed. A prime example of this is the way Christopher Columbus is portrayed in textbooks to this day.
When you think of Columbus the words that come to mind are explorer, hero, and voyager. A voyager who has been given a national holiday for his effort in discovering a new world, which became home to a land that represents freedom and opportunity. However, in his effort to discover this new world different words like greed, power hungry, and murder are much more appropriate. Columbus took advantage of a civilization that could not defend themselves from the deadly and more advanced weapons carried by Columbus and his men. What Columbus did to these Indians can only be described as genocide. He looked at this civilization and saw an opportunity to cash in on the land, gold, and slaves these Indians offered. Offered not willingly but forcefully by the greed driven men who felt they were far superior to the point that these Indians were not men but just pawns that Columbus could take advantage of.
The fact that these important details were left out of history books is a grave injustice towards those men that were taken advantage of so many years ago. The misinformation provided in these history books lead to a holiday given to a man whose sole motivation was greed and viciously killed in order to achieve it. We should no longer be given the false impression that Columbus is an upright and decent man when killing a civilization and turning the rest into slaves only achieved his achievements.
When you think of Columbus the words that come to mind are explorer, hero, and voyager. A voyager who has been given a national holiday for his effort in discovering a new world, which became home to a land that represents freedom and opportunity. However, in his effort to discover this new world different words like greed, power hungry, and murder are much more appropriate. Columbus took advantage of a civilization that could not defend themselves from the deadly and more advanced weapons carried by Columbus and his men. What Columbus did to these Indians can only be described as genocide. He looked at this civilization and saw an opportunity to cash in on the land, gold, and slaves these Indians offered. Offered not willingly but forcefully by the greed driven men who felt they were far superior to the point that these Indians were not men but just pawns that Columbus could take advantage of.
The fact that these important details were left out of history books is a grave injustice towards those men that were taken advantage of so many years ago. The misinformation provided in these history books lead to a holiday given to a man whose sole motivation was greed and viciously killed in order to achieve it. We should no longer be given the false impression that Columbus is an upright and decent man when killing a civilization and turning the rest into slaves only achieved his achievements.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)