- "...purpose is to change how we think so that we can change how we act...changing how we participate in the world, become(ing) part of the...dynamic through which the world itself will change."
- "...unless you live in a culture that recognizes...differences as significant and meaningful, they are socially irrelevant and therefore do not exist."
- "...belonging to a privileged category that has an oppressive relationship with another isn't the same as being an oppressive person who behaves in oppressive ways."
The author argues that our position in society can give some people the power to make change. Johnson believes that privilege, power, and differences only exist because they have been given a name. If we rid of these labels, per se, maybe everyone might be seen as the humans that they are and reserved the rights that they deserve. I found it interesting that the author compares areas besides America where people are just people and not the label that they are given. I found the last quote influential also because there are people who go out of their way to oppress others. Though we might be unaware of the oppression, it doesn’t mean that we do not want to see change.
Interesting yes it is true that labels are very damaging. But are people willing to give up the labels, how do we create an environment that has no labels but instead understanding and care for others.
ReplyDeleteNo one should have more power than another or more access to basic needs. I agree that there are others who thrive off of climbing people backs but they are doing so because they suffer undercover. Those who encourage harm for others are hiding their own faults and miscomings by oppressing others.