Talking Point #10 - Johnson

Premise:

• privilege
• power
• difference
• oppression
• solution
• difference
• systemic problem
• responsibility

Arguement:

Allan Johnson argues that while there will be no end to oppression anytime soon, and likely not even in our lifetime, every positive little thing each individual does contributes to the solution, and most importantly we have to acknowledge the issue, and "say the words."

Evidence:

"Their silence and invisibility allows privilege and oppression to continue. Removing what silences them and stands in their way can tap an enormous potential of energy for change."

"The greatest barrier to change is that dominant groups, as we've discussed, dont see the trouble as their trouble, which means they don't feel obliged to do something about it."

"...denying and minimizing the trouble, blaming the victim, calling the trouble something else, assuming everyon prefers things the way they are, mistaking intentions with consequences, attributing the trouble to others and no their own participation in social systems that produce it, and balancing the trouble with troubles of their own. The more aware people can be of how all of this limits their effectiveness, the more they can contribute to change both in themselves and in the systems where they work and live."

Comments:

I really enjoyed this article, and agreed with much of Johnson's theories. It was extremely engaging, as well as inspiring. While I understand there is no immediate solution to oppression, Johnson has made me confident that if we say the word, and take action as individuals, change will come.