Blog Post #1

Quotes- Blog Post #1:

Author: Alan Johnson

Intro to Privilege, Power, and Difference

    Allan Johnson wrote this book to talk about how our differences have been leading us into trouble, for example, gender, race, sexual orientation, ethnicity, and social class. We have the power to make a difference and to be able to learn and hear what others have to say. "Problems of perception and defensiveness apply not only to the language of race, but to an entire set of social differences that have become the basis for a great deal of trouble in the world. Although Du Bois was correct that color would be a defining issue in the twentieth century, the problem of "getting along" doesn't stop there. It is also an issue across differences of gender, sexual orientation, and numerous lesser divides." Although there are many problems with race and color, there have also been problems with genders, for example, in the United States men's violence and harassment towards women, women don't get promoted as easily, the gender gap in income, and men dominate almost every major organization and institution. Furthermore, there is harassment and discrimination towards gay men and lesbians, even though there might not be a lot of physical violence they still feel there is danger when being identified as anything that is not heterosexual. The author also mentions, "we aren't getting along with one another, and we need to ask why not." Next, "Deep in our bones, for example, we are social beings. There's no escaping it. We can't survive on our own when we're young, and it doesn't get a while lot easier later on. We need to feel that we belong to something bigger than ourselves, whether it's family or a team or a society. We look to other people to tell us that we measure up, that we matter, that we're okay. We have a huge capacity to be creative and generous and loving." When I read this quote it really proved to me how important it is for us humans to feel accepted and respected. It is important for everyone to be able to communicate with one another and share about our differences. "I mean that you'd think we could treat one another with decency and respect and appreciate if not support the best we have in us." This is not saying that we need to like everyone but it shouldn't be hard for us to just be able to make everyone feel like they belong and not feel like they need to defend themselves or feel uncomfortable just because they look a certain way, or have certain beliefs, or what gender they are, etc. 

    A point/question I would share in class about this topic is "Why don't we get along", we should be using our differences as an advantage to get to know more about one another instead of starting problems because of our differences.