Talking Points #10: "What Can We Do? Becoming Part of the Solution

Allen G. Johnson

Argument:

Johnson argues in this article that we have to first recognize privilege in society and realize that we can change these systems of society if we recognize that it takes time as well as selfless, awareness, reflection, dialogue, and participation to become part of the solution.

Quotes:

1. "Removing what silences them and stands in their way can tap an enormous potential of energy for change."

In this quote Johnson discusses the problem that silence promotes the problem of privilege and oppression and that by removing the silence and creating a dialogue is a huge start to creating a path of real change. I think this has been true in the case of this class and community here at Rhode Island College. I have never been more enlightened and aware of problems of privilege, power, and oppression during my time here at Rhode Island college. Taking this class and attending diversity events such as the Promising Practices conference is a huge step in the direction of change. As Johnson has said before creating a dialogue and having the courage to talk about these issues is the first step to intilling real, genuin change in society.

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

This quote resonated with me because I felt this way for a long time. Maybe it is because I am a product of my environment but I always felt that I am and individual and I am not responsible for other peoples problems. "You do for yourself and your own" thats what I always thought. Poeple in society feel like they have to take care of themselves, your responsible for your own problems, but I have realized that being a part of society means you are taking part in society and all of the privilege, power, and oppression deamed you by society. We are not all little pods onto ourselves, we all take part in society as a whole wheather through work, play, recreation, everyone has a part in the larger picture. So by not egnowledging that you are a part of society makes you a part of the problem and not the solution.

3. "As powerful as oppressive systems are, they cannot
stand the strain of lots of people doing something about it, beginning with the simplest act of naming the system out loud."

This quote reminds me of Peggy McIntosh's article. Just by naming these idealogies we give people a tool to promote change. After reading McIntosh's article and listening to her speech I have been able to engage in a dailogue with many other people about the issue of "white privilege." This in itself is a powerful tool for change. Creating a vocabulary so that we can pinpoint the issue and spread the word about "white privilege" so that people can begin to recognize these ideologies. I recall one of the black college students saying "I can remember some of my white freinds asking me what it is like and I could not find the words but after I read this article (McIntosh) I could hand it to him and say here this is the issue." This is such a profound realization. Words are powerful. Just by naming and talking about something you promote change.

Questions/Comments/Points to Share:

I think that this article is a great capstone to the course this semester. Johnson hits all of the points we have disussed this semester about power, privilege, oppression, recognition, reflection, and change. He says it in such an eliquint manner. I found the reading very engaging and flowing. I think that Johnson is exactly right in all of his points. I think that just by recognizing these ideologies, naming them, discussing them, recognizing that you are a participant in this society, and having the courage to speak out is a great large first step in creating real change.

Recongnizing that you are a part of society, be it a small part, even though you may not feel like you can make a real difference you can. It take a long time for things to change. Systems can be change but it can't be changed in one, two, or even three lifetimes. We may not see the changes in the physical proprtions of the planet does not mean that is not taking place. We must also recognize that all though we are only a very small part of a very large system we are still an intigral part. Just as Johson discusses the paradox of the tree, although the tree has many leaves and loosing one or two does not make a large difference all of the leaves play an integral part in the nurturing of the tree. The more people begin to realize that they are a part of the system the more they will recognize how they can be a part of changing that system. Break the silence, recognize your part, strive to make a difference. In the words of JFK "Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country." Stop being a part of the problem and start becoming a part of the solution.