Allan Johnson "Where White Privilege Came From"
Argument: Allan Johnson's argument in his article “Where White Privilege Came From” is that privilege is not something that individuals personally earn, but a result of social systems and structures that benefit certain groups at the expense of others. Johnson discusses the historical connection to the behaviors in different societies. Prior to the British rule over Ireland and the enslavement of Africans in North America, race as we understand it today did not exist. The idea of ‘white' and 'color' labeling individuals was not common. When English migrants arrived in North America, they forced their cultural ideas and beliefs, leading to the subordination of Africans and Native Americans. Social systems can influence and impact individuals. Johnson points out that even among white people, there is a hierarchy and power dynamics. In the 19th century, upper-class whites encouraged lower and working-class whites to identify strongly with their racial identity to turn their focus away from their economic issues. By emphasizing their whiteness, these individuals were distracted from the fact they were just workers and could find a sense of superiority or privilege based on their race, “at least I’m white”. In the early 20th century unions excluded workers of color. When white unions went on strike to demand better working conditions, employers would hire people of color hoping to frustrate white workers towards issues of race rather than the reasons they were on strike for. While the characteristics of a system can influence and shape behavior, people can choose their actions from one moment to the next. Johnson looks into his own family's connection to the history of the United States, including white privilege and racism. This made him aware of his own participation in systems and the potential role he played in shaping another’s life. Although he did not directly enforce slavery or take away land from the Native Americans, he was part of the consequences. Privilege, according to Johnson, is not a personal choice, but an advantage. While I acknowledge the possibility that many of our actions may have negative impacts on others, the question is how we live our daily lives without constantly questioning how we are affecting others. While recognizing our white privilege and the advantages we possess is one step, is it enough?
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Fq3cQVAfVqv5LNE4dvSRrbWZdxWmP8lagAcdP4XIvWE/edit?usp=sharing
I think its extremely important to know where we came from so we can be aware and understand priveledge. Being white is an advantage and there needs to be a change.
ReplyDeleteJennifer,
ReplyDeleteI appreciate the insight into the history of racism both here and on the slides that you shared in class. I was not aware of the whole narrative behind the installation of racism in our nation. It is crazy to think that something that just *didn't exist* at one point could completely take control of our social hierarchy and systems. I hope that this information makes it to the eyes of more people so that this important history does not disappear. It really does illustrate how much race is a social construct, and one that we give far too much power to in modern society, especially when it is used to hamstring less-privileged social groups.