The text, Privilege, Power, and Difference by Allan Johnson, is a 156-page detailed account of Johnson’s views on American society and how social class, race, sexual orientation, gender, disability status, and privilege causes a “difference” in the way we view each other. Johnson’s personal views on how these factors affect the way members of the minority live and survive in current day United States is aimed at raising social awareness. The text, written by Johnson, identifies the social principles that form the belief of privilege and entitlement, often making jest at the very serious issue of inequality.
This was a quick and easy read, yet was packed with valuable information and valid arguments. Johnson delves into American history, …show more content…
The “Diversity Wheel”, created by Marilyn Loden and Judy Rosener, uses basic factors such as age, race, ethnicity, gender, physical abilities, and sexual orientation as the core of the wheel (15). Societal factors such as geographic location, religious belief, marital status, income, education, and work background serves as the outer shell of the wheel (15). The center of the wheel represents individual core characteristics (race, age, etc.) all of which cannot be altered, however, naturally our personal experiences differ and with the outcome of our lives dependent on various social factors. Education, income, and religious and sexual affiliation to name a few does little to change who we are within, but how society views us. The author highlights the “diversity wheel” to allow readers to visualize the categories that they may fall into. Depending on your core characteristics and your background, the wheel can place you in a positive or negative societal light. By the same token, it is important to realize that one can be privileged, and underprivileged at the same time. Individuals can belong to a dominant group, yet be poorly educated, live in poor economic standing, and be of an alternative sexual orientation, leaving them only “slightly” …show more content…
The text has the potential to change the views of some a fact that I hope each individual that reads does. As fore mentioned, I can certainly identify with the text and its premise, due to the multiple disadvantages that society says I have. However, reading the text, I find myself privileged in some respects being a believer in the Christian faith, married, educated, steadily employed, and a product of a two parent household. But, does this negate the opinions of others just seeing my outer shell? My thought is not! The text urges readers to look deeper into an individual and confront the unknown. This book has great significance and relevance, especially in the trying times that we are now experiencing with race relations in our country. This book is a must
This was a quick and easy read, yet was packed with valuable information and valid arguments. Johnson delves into American history, …show more content…
The “Diversity Wheel”, created by Marilyn Loden and Judy Rosener, uses basic factors such as age, race, ethnicity, gender, physical abilities, and sexual orientation as the core of the wheel (15). Societal factors such as geographic location, religious belief, marital status, income, education, and work background serves as the outer shell of the wheel (15). The center of the wheel represents individual core characteristics (race, age, etc.) all of which cannot be altered, however, naturally our personal experiences differ and with the outcome of our lives dependent on various social factors. Education, income, and religious and sexual affiliation to name a few does little to change who we are within, but how society views us. The author highlights the “diversity wheel” to allow readers to visualize the categories that they may fall into. Depending on your core characteristics and your background, the wheel can place you in a positive or negative societal light. By the same token, it is important to realize that one can be privileged, and underprivileged at the same time. Individuals can belong to a dominant group, yet be poorly educated, live in poor economic standing, and be of an alternative sexual orientation, leaving them only “slightly” …show more content…
The text has the potential to change the views of some a fact that I hope each individual that reads does. As fore mentioned, I can certainly identify with the text and its premise, due to the multiple disadvantages that society says I have. However, reading the text, I find myself privileged in some respects being a believer in the Christian faith, married, educated, steadily employed, and a product of a two parent household. But, does this negate the opinions of others just seeing my outer shell? My thought is not! The text urges readers to look deeper into an individual and confront the unknown. This book has great significance and relevance, especially in the trying times that we are now experiencing with race relations in our country. This book is a must