Privilege, Power, and Difference

The author discusses the complexities of privilege, oppression, and the social consequences of difference. He begins by emphasizing that the issues around difference are deeply entrenched in the uneven distribution of power and privilege, a legacy that society has inherited and must consciously address. Johnson critiques the notion that differences themselves cause societal issues; instead, he argues that the real problem lies in how societal structures use these differences to maintain power imbalances.

Johnson challenges the assumption that people naturally fear difference, pointing out that curiosity and acceptance are often our initial responses to the unfamiliar. He introduces the “diversity wheel,” a conceptual tool that highlights key social characteristics like age, race, gender, and sexual orientation, which shape our social identities and impact how others perceive and treat us. He suggests a thought experiment where changes in these characteristics could drastically alter one’s social reality, which illustrates how deeply societal perceptions are embedded.

The chapter further explores the concept of social construction, particularly around race. Johnson discusses how racial categories are not inherent, but are instead created and maintained by societal forces to uphold certain power dynamics. He uses historical examples to show how definitions of race have shifted over time to accommodate the interests of those in power.