Christopher Franz

10/30/16
HD 361 Book Critique 1: "Privilege, Power, and Difference"

Privilege refers to exclusive and unearned advantages which are socially conferred in
today's society. Most of us are either willing or unknowing participants in this system. This
unspoken hierarchy exists amongst us and has been defined and refined through centuries of
conditioning. We accept its rules as easily as children being explained a game on the playground.
In this system, the interests of minorities and of working families come second to the
accumulation of wealth and power by the ruling elite. This privilege isnt a tangible possession
that can be given away. Its conditions are inherently slanted to favor those in the highest class. In
Johnson's book, "Privilege, Power, and Difference," he likens our industrial, capitalist, economic
system to a game of musical chairs. By keeping us, the participants, distracted and worried about
one another, we never stop to question why there aren't enough chairs for everyone else. The
extra chairs don't just vanish. They simply trickle up into the reserves of those overseeing the
game.
It's not possible to discuss this topic without first mentioning the problem of race.
What's needed (now) is a sense of ownership in relation to the problem and the path people
need to walk toward its solution (Johnson 75). Racial discrimination is alive and well in the
United States. For centuries, those 'lucky' enough to be born with lighter skin tones have
experienced significantly higher rates of success. After hundreds of years of relentless
persecution with limited "progress," people of color are still routinely assumed to be potential
criminals until they've sufficiently demonstrated that they are not. Theyre generally treated with
suspicion and often targeted by police. In the world of public opinion, they are guilty until
proven innocent. Everywhere we look, these biases are reinforced by our mainstream media.
Whites are less likely than blacks to be arrested; once arrested, they are less likely to be
convicted, less likely to go to prison (Johnson pg 25). Whenever groups of white people destroy
property after sporting events or in protest, they are referred to as "demonstrators," "rowdy
revelers," or "passionate, young people." In African American communities, these same groups
are condemned as "black rioters," engaged in "lawlessness and looting." They often dehumanize
these groups by calling them "thugs" and "wild animals." Law enforcement also responds to
these disturbances with a vastly different shows of force.
Hiring discrimination within the workplace is especially prevalent and takes on many
forms. Studies have shown that when identical bodies of resumes and applications are filled out
and submitted for consideration, applicants with more "white" sounding names are likely to get
called in for interviews. Jose Zamora famously submitted 100+ online resumes every day for a
month, with no response. Until one day, he decided to drop the "s" from his name. In one weeks
time, Joe Zamora had a full inbox of job offers. White people rarely find themselves in this
position. People of color are generally ignored and even condescended to when walking down
the street. In order to undo the detrimental effects of historical prejudice and discrimination
based on race, gender, religion, and national origin we need to seek out and employ more
diversity in upper management. This will disrupt the pre-existing dominance and allow people
of differing demographics to see themselves reflected in positions of power.
The book forced me to confront uncomfortable truths by challenging me to find ways to
withdraw support from the paths of least resistance and peoples choices to follow them
(Johnson 158). In reading that passage, I realized how passive a participant Id been in
perpetuating the problem of racism. Silence and not looking and not asking are in effect just as
racist because oppression depends on this to continue (Johnson 106). People of color are
constantly reminded about their identity. The luxury of obliviousness assumes that race, class,
and other differences dont matter. Our society is centered around the white, male, heterosexual,
able bodied perspective. Whenever I fail to outwardly voice my distain for the system, I
reinforce an unearned entitlement to white privilege and elevate myself to a position whereby I
rationalize away my accountably for inaction. Theres an implicit pressure to 'go with the flow'
and appease others. But, anyone can disrupt our system of 'public accommodations' if theyre
willing to deal with an 'increased resistance.' This is often doled out in the form of negative
attention and public disapproval. During the civil rights movement peaceful protests often
erupted into hostility and violence against those who dared to take a stand. But, such threats
didnt deter those who genuinely wanted to show their support or vent frustrations.
There are many who believe that since we elected a black President the problem of race
in America is a thing of the past. But, there is still significant work to do. In order to change our
patterns of behavior, Johnson encourages going against the stream, 'standing up and being seen.'
When we do this, we can expect immediate backlash. But, if we do this, it creates an opportunity
to educate others. The national spotlight was recently focused on San Francisco 49ers
quarterback Colin Kaepernick who refused to stand during the national anthem. It was a way for
him to protest the treatment of African-Americans by law enforcement in the United States. I
was unaware that the man who wrote The Star Spangled Banner was a slave owner who
described blacks as a distinct and inferior race of people. He explained that the songs unsung
3rd verse actually painted African Americans in disparaging terms. Its important for white
Americans take the time to engage in a discussion with people of color. In the recent Presidential
debates, Secretary of State Clinton acknowledged that the criminal justice system treats
minorities differently. She also admitted that all Americans are susceptible to bias. Throughout
her campaign, she engaged with people of color through 'listening more and talking less.'
The pre-programmed default for those of us in the dominant culture is to assume that
everybodys life is based on the kind of person they are (compassion, generosity, humor, etc.).
As a man, I often operate under the belief that Im being a chivalrous, without realizing that Im
reinforcing a patriarchal dominance over woman. Such freedoms are not afforded for those who
fall outside of our so-called 'societal norms.' As I was going through the diversity wheel
(Johnson 15), I imagined how my life would be impacted if I were to wake up with a significant
alteration to my identity. I was particularly shook by the realization that society would treat me
more unkind. The reverberations and impact upon my life would be extremely damning. The
reality is that we tend to make snap judgments based upon the physical shells of our personality
traits.
When white people suggest that a person's physical appearance 'doesnt matter,' it
pretends that racism and sexism dont exist beyond their personal intentions, and it makes it
easier for them to feel unconnected to the trouble (Johnson 64). Despite being born into a
family of German and English ancestry, my ethnicity was often called into question. Whenever
classmates would call me Mexican or Latino, Id immediately refute their claims and rise to
defend my "whiteness." I couldn't understand this compulsion or why it would come over me so
sudden and powerfully. Differences that would otherwise have little, if any, inherent connection
to social inequality are none-the-less seized on and turned into a basis for privilege and
oppression (Johnson Intro X).The playground taunting of my early years didn't appear serious
at the time. But, unchecked, the ideas took root and misinformed my outlook and behaviors for
years to come.
This kind of color blindness, is extremely contagious. When I was younger, my parent's
always had a diverse group of friends who constantly showered me with care and affection. Even
at an early age, I was conscious of an unspoken public opinion that it was 'better' to be perceived
as white. Once a person awakens to the reality of passive oppression, they have a responsibility
to do as Johnson suggests: Dont let other people set the standard for you (Johnson 153). I had
a positive relationship with my Spanish nanny, whom I loved, and enjoyed many sleepovers at
her house with her family. Yet, somehow, the 'social conditioning' I was simultaneously
receiving led me to believe that 'non-whiteness' was a bad thing. Whenever we attempt to move
against widely held beliefs it can feel overwhelming. We may cling to the belief that there is
nothing we can do, precisely because we, subconsciously, know how much power we do have
and are afraid to use it, because people may not like it (Johnson 133). To me, this passage
summarizes the central theme of the book. Those within the dominant social group feel
uncomfortable when they are shaken from their collective comfort zone. The natural inclination
is to return to the confines of conformity. But, access to basic services and an opportunity to
participate more fully in society is not insurmountable. Gandhi once said that nothing we do as
individuals matters, but that its vitally important to do it anyways (Johnson 132). If we want
those within marginalized and oppressed groups to experience the same sense of security as we
do, it is imperative for us to stand up and speak out against their pervasive mistreatment and
exploitation.
Systems of privilege are organized around fear. They are routinely applied to some as it is
withheld from others. White people control every major social and educational institution,
corporation, and government body. This kind of widespread saturation can't help but produce
outcomes which dramatically favor them. In order for this type of oppression to subsist, cohesion
is needed across the board. This is achieved by perpetually stereotyping communities of color.
We are part of this system, whenever we fail to take action or acquiesce to the path of least
resistance. Within the criminal justice system, minor drug crimes committed by whites are
routinely overlooked by officers, while people of color are systematically selected for arrest,
prosecution, and punishment.
 White-centeredness is the tendency to put white people, and what they do, at the center of
attention. This belief is taught in our schools and various Judeo-Christian constructs. White
people see themselves as the standard for human beings. This inherently gives more credibility to
our views than those of others.' People of color see themselves defined as 'less than' by this
system. They are routinely marginalized as' indistinguishable,' 'savages,' and as 'unintelligent.'
This practice impersonalizes their struggle as makes them invisible as individuals, devoid of
inner lives. The irony is the everywhere in this country, white people are living on land which
was taken from other people. We eradicated Native American culture and whitewashed their
significance from our history books. And, we have the audacity to teach our children that white
settlers 'discovered' a people who had already migrated to, cultivated, and populated a land
millennia before. The current system doesnt allow for variance and simply imposes its norms
upon the masses. It also encourages us to be unaware of our white privilege. White-identification
encourages whites to be unaware of having any color at all. When you organize a society in this
way, the resultant pattern is an unearned advantage for available to those who are socially
identified with white-ness.'
Rather than simply tolerating diversity, we should be explaining the long term benefits
for our collective society. By examining the contract of development within these social
systems, whites can learn to empathize better and understand, that they have 'no understanding'
of the difficulties of not 'being white.' By establishing a dialogue, and enacting better public
programs and policy, we can provide everyone with equivalent options for health care, access to
healthier eating options, public transportation, etc. It's time we recognize our personal
responsibility and adhere to a universal code of ethics. We all have something to contribute to
one another. It's high tide white people contributed their fair share.
Privilege is a difficult word for people who have power to understand. It's a threat to their
sensibilities. There are enormous social advantages connected with being white. On the whole,
white people are extremely sensitive to any accusation of racism. For most of my life, I've been
oblivious as to my investment in identifying with it. I've always had a tan complexion. Whenever
I would venture outside of white neighborhoods, I was subject to harassment. Cops would
generally assume that I was Latino until I furnished them with my license. By articulating my
words and displaying proper etiquette clearly, I managed to successfully demonstrate my
'whiteness' and to talk my way out of numerous run-ins with them. As a white male, Im allowed
to be a chameleon. I have the luxury of assuming the identities of other cultures and conveniently
taking them off whenever things get 'real' or too difficult.' It's a privilege I can invoke whenever
a situation requires. I feel safer and less judged in mixed company. Operating from a perceived
un-bias has allowed me to believe I was accessible to oppressed peoples. I believed that I
connect with and share their sense of "not-enough-ness." This type of color blindness is brought
about by me directly benefitted from the oppression. It's enacted and supported everyday by the
actions of decent unassuming white people. When I look in the mirror and see a decent, well
intentioned person, I can easily detach myself from being part of the problem. Just like a game of
monopoly, specific results are produced no matter how many times you play the game. The game
cant be used to explain the players, and the players cant be used to explained the game. One
person or people will have everything without fail.
 Capitalism is organized in such a way that there will always be an extreme isolation of
wealth funneling to the top. The whole point of any racist practice is to preserve its privileged
class. Discrimination against people of color has been, and continues to be, based on negative
cultural beliefs. Thanks to gerrymandering, segregation has actually been increasing, not
decreasing. Practices such as these make us profoundly ignorant of one another. No one likes to
see themselves as being connected to another's misery. But, the reality is that those born 'white'
have better chance of achieving better class positions. Right now, there are millions of white
Americans struggling financially. They are fighting just to hold on to what they have. Their
predicament fuels the argument that there isn't a system of power at work. Comparatively, the
majority of African Americans are suffering with zero to negative net wealth. The more you pay
attention to privilege and oppression, the more youll see opportunities to do something about
them (Johnson 142). The problem isnt that we are different as human beings, it's that we are
afraid to see these differences. We should be celebrating our cultural variances and shortening
the disparities between them. In doing so we can actually make our organizations stronger and
more appealing by broadening customer bases and attracting more qualified employees. Before
we can move towards inclusion and equal opportunity as a society, we need to start thinking
about this problem "as everyones responsibility everybodys 'hook' and nobodys fault
(Johnson 127). As white people, we need to de-center ourselves from the position of privilege
and spotlight other peoples experiences by bringing these unique points of view into the national
discussion.

Johnson, A. G. (2006). Privilege, power, and difference. Boston, Mass: McGraw-Hill.