Johnson Chapter 2

In chapter 2 Johnson makes several points about the privilege that some people experience and the oppression that is placed on others. He argues the differences between the two and how these groups are formed through society and not individuals. Society as a whole is complex. It is made up of difference groups of people who experience different ways of live. Sometimes this is based solely on what group they were born apart of. For example a person could be white or some other racial group. That person could be a male or a female. They could identify as a heterosexual or a homosexual. This person could be disabled or in perfect health. This most important thing to realize is that most of these categories are what you are born into and cannot be changed. If you are born a white male then that is what you are. If you are born a colored female then that is what you are. Yet Johnson goes into deeper meaning when he describes how being placed in these separate groups that make up society effect the privilege that is inherited by certain groups. This privilege is assigned by society and no one individual can change it. White males are the prime example of those who are afforded privilege. Johnson gives several examples of privilege that is given to white males in our society such as the fact that white males are almost always charged lower prices on new cars. Also an example of male privilege would be the tendency of men to dominate a conversation over women. On of the most important points that Johnson makes is “Privilege as Paradox”. Basically he is saying that just because someone is born into a privileged group they might not necessarily feel privileged. This is due to the fact that privilege is not based on individuality. Privilege and oppression are based on how society perceives a certain group of people. This means that just because a man in white and male does not mean that he is going to have a great life because he was born into a privileged group. Individual actions and circumstance could be the result of a person’s unhappiness. I personally believe that Johnson makes a good argument about privilege and oppression. The question that I pose is whether or not it can be changed now that people are starting to realize that it exists? Since it is society that categories a group as either privileged or oppressed can society come together to make is so that everyone has the opportunity to be privileged. Although this would be the ideal situation it seems as though this is a very utopian way of thinking. For if it is a fact that if one group is privileged then another group is oppressed then how would it be possible for everyone to acquire privilege? It is a difficult subject, which is probably why it is really discussed out in the open. However for change to be made there must be action taken to reduce the gap between those who are privileged and those who are oppressed.