Johnson-Chapter 6

In chapter six of Privilege, Power, And Difference, Allan Johnson concludes that members of our society must first realize that they are part of the problem concerning privilege and oppression before they can become part of the solution.

Johnson begins the chapter by stating that to solve the problems associated with privilege that we must first be able to talk about it. However, we as a society rarely do this because it is uncomfortable. Johnson also discusses how our society is based on individualism and how everything is somebody’s fault. This makes it even harder to discuss privilege because everyone wants to blame some other group. Johnson then explains how many are part of the privilege problem without even knowing it. He discusses how we take the path of least resistance by doing what our society labels as acceptable behavior. We may not even be aware of this until we do something that is unacceptable. Johnson gives the example of a manager’s tendency to train employees that are similar to them to demonstrate this point. White males tend to train whit male employees. He then states that “social life . . . cannot be understood by looking at individuals alone” (82). Johnson states that people behave differently in different social situations and uses the game of Monopoly as an example to demonstrate this. Individuals may not normally be greedy, but behave so during the game because that is the behavior that is called for. However, one can support the system of privilege without even being consciously aware of it. Johnson states that silence alone is enough to ensure the continuation of this system. Most people are silent on privilege issues, and that is what is making them last. He concludes that we must stop the silence and acknowledge that we are a part of the problem and pledge to be part of the solution as well.

Just why do people choose to take what Johnson call “the path of least resistance”? As Johnson argues, many take this path because it is the only one they are aware exists. You can’t pick which path to take when you only see one option. However, I believe that many see the other options but are afraid the pick them. They are afraid that if they attempt to help oppressed groups that they will be rejected from their privileged group and become oppressed themselves. It comes down to the fact that members of privileged groups are selfish, and don’t want to lose the privilege they possess by helping non-privileged groups out.

I felt as if I learned a lot about how members of society view privilege while reading this chapter. I see how members of society can feel as if they are not a part of the privilege problem event though they are, and how silence support they system that we are trapped in. I agree that we must break the silence in order to stop the system of privilege in our society.