In the book entitled "Privilege, Power and Difference", by Allan G. Johnson, the author argues that a group of people have certain privileges over other groups simply because of the color of their skin or their gender. For instance, he states that if he, as a white person goes shopping at a store, he would be waited on quicker than his friend who is black. That, if his friend uses a credit card at the cash register, the store clerk will ask for more identity papers from her than the clerk will do him, Allan Johnson. This is so typical of the society we live in. Being a person of color, I personally experience this type of situation almost everyday. At work, school, restaurants, stores, on the bus, etc. One example: two weeks ago, I went to a convenience store in Chepachet, RI to pay a utility bill, through Western union. As soon as I went in, the store clerk walked quickly to the back of the store, as if she was looking for a safe place; and from there she asked whether she could help me with anything, while looking very nervous. To reassure her, I showed her some money and said that I was there to pay a bill. Then she walked back to the cash register. I am sure the attitude of the clerk would have been different if I was a white. And I cannot really blame the her because the store is located in a white neighborhood.
As far as gender is concerned, I must say that the author is not totally right, when it comes to discrimination against women, based on their sex. in fact, women can be found in all types of professional activities. They are engineers, astronauts, physicians, teachers, senators, you name it. In my mind, they would do anything that men do. If senator Clinton gets nominated within the democratic party, and is elected president of the United States of America, I think it would not be reasonable to keep talking about sexism in the American society. Not that Mrs. Clinton's election would definitely put an end to sexism, but that it would kind of contribute to put men and women at the same level. She would therefore make history. The same way senator Obama would make history, if he was elected president of this country. One of these two senators might become the next president of the US because a lot of people no matter what color they are, want some positive social changes in this country.
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2 comments:
Charles, I am glad we are in this class together.
It is easy for a bunch of white people to sit around talking about this and theorizing what a black perspective would be like without ever really knowing. I am, as a white person, looking forward to hearing your perspective on the the topics that come up in this class.
Also, do you think maybe it is hard for you to fully understand the women's perspectives because you are not a woman? After reading Johnson I have been questioning how my perceptions might be blinded because of my own privilege.
I like the points your share here, Charles. And I wonder about the same issue that Kevin raises in his comment as well... we can only see through our own eyes!
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