Privilege, Power, and Difference

In this part, Johnson discusses how societal systems perpetuate privilege and oppression through their inherent structure and everyday practices. Johnson uses the concept of the “path of least resistance” (80) as a central concept to elucidate how individuals often unconsciously perpetuate systemic inequalities. For instance, in Chapter 6, when he discusses how a man might react to a sexist joke by laughing or remaining silent to avoid conflict, Johnson is illustrating how individual choices contribute to the broader perpetuation of sexism.

Johnson further strengthens his argument by discussing the dynamic interaction between individuals and systems to illustrate How Individuals Perpetuate or Challenge Systematic Inequalities. For instance, in Chapter 6, he uses the historical example of the Greensboro sit-ins, where four African American students challenged the segregated status quo by sitting at a “whites only” lunch counter. This example illustrates individuals actively choosing a path of greater resistance to challenge and change a systemic issue, demonstrating the potential for systemic change when individuals refuse to follow the “path of least resistance.”

Johnson extends his use of analogies in this part, notably with the Monopoly game in Chapter 6. This analogy illustrates how even non-malicious participation in a system can support harmful outcomes. This extends to a broader societal implication, suggesting that systemic issues are not merely the result of overtly bad actions, but are instead often the byproduct of complicity and complacency.

Additionally, Johnson provides numerous examples to illustrate his points, such as the scenario involving people filling sandbags during a flood. This example serves as a metaphor for collective action, which demonstrates how individual efforts, while seemingly small, contribute significantly to larger outcomes. Similarly, in Chapter 7, by sharing experiences from female professors who face challenges to their authority based on gender perceptions, Johnson makes The Impact of Social Categorization on Individual Experiences more explicit for the reader. Another example is of how African Americans need to “talk white” to secure apartments, illustrating how systemic identification with privilege affects individuals on a personal level.

Johnson employs a mix of historical and cultural references to anchor his arguments in recognizable realities. In Chapter 7, he mentions Margaret Thatcher as “the Iron Lady” (91), using this as a case study to discuss how power is gendered, thereby highlighting the double standards in perceptions of leadership based on gender. Johnson refers to familiar phrases such as “It's a man's world” (95), extending this to other forms of privilege like race and ability. He points out that these phrases are not just descriptors but encapsulate the systemic favoring of certain groups which are considered the norm or ideal in society. Similarly, by discussing the implications of terms like “American” or “nonwhite,” he highlights the subtle ways in which language can exclude or diminish.

Johnson’s dissection of language highlights the often-overlooked aspect of systemic bias embedded within everyday communication. His discussion on gendered language, using examples like the usage of “brotherhood” versus “sisterhood,” illustrates how societal norms privilege male experiences as universal. By deconstructing phrases that are culturally loaded yet often unexamined, Johnson encourages readers to consider how language shapes perceptions of gender and, by extension, societal power dynamics.

Johnson also uses media representation as a primary vehicle for discussing The Mechanisms of Privilege and Power in Society. He points to the predominance of certain demographic groups in significant cultural mediums like newspapers, films, and television. In Chapter 7, Johnson's discussion about the racial and gender dynamics in Academy Award-winning films and newspaper coverage illustrates the types of roles and representations that are commonly associated with marginalized groups. Johnson connects the centralization of privileged groups in media and culture to broader social dynamics, such as classroom interactions and workplace behaviors. He highlights how these media representations influence real-world perceptions and interactions, which in turn contributes to a cycle of visibility for some and invisibility for others.

Lastly, Johnson challenges the conventional definitions of “isms” that focus solely on individual attitudes and behaviors. He introduces a sociological perspective, suggesting that these forms of discrimination are not only personal but are also ingrained in societal systems and structures. This shift from an individualistic to a systemic viewpoint invites the reader to consider broader, more complex mechanisms of oppression.