September 11, 2011
As I was reading the excerpt from Johnson’s book Privilege, Power, and Difference I wondered when in 2001 is written; before or after 9-11. The world since 9/11 is a different place; the people of America have changed. Johnson does not allude to this extraordinary event that changed the way we live and think in his book. So one can infer that it was written earlier .This does not mean what he says is not relevant, but I believe times have changed since then and much of what he says about the “privileged” is not entirely accurate anymore. Not only is his book written before 9/11, since then America has seen the first Africa American president. America has also seen women run for president, and gay men and women serve in congress. No, America is still not equal when it comes to race, gender, or sexual orientation, but when I explore The Diversity Wheel” and reflect about “privilege” I do not think like Johnson when he says “privilege is organized according to race.” Nor do I think the rings of the “diversity wheel” are accurate. In 2011, age, race, ethnicity, gender, physical ability and sexual orientation should be the outer hub of the wheel and social-class should be in the inner hub.
Matt Clark begins his online article “Celebrity Justice: Prison Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous” by stating “There are two criminal justice systems in the United States. One is for people with wealth, fame or influence who can afford to hire top-notch attorneys and public relations firms, who make campaign contributions to sheriffs, legislators and other elected officials, and who enjoy certain privileges due to their celebrity status or the size of their bank accounts. The other justice system is for everybody else”
The privileged in our society are not the white men but the rich people. Privilege does not discriminate against race, color or sexual orientations, as long as one is rich. Why do I say this? When I think of the privileged I also think of opportunities that are only available to the rich and famous. As Johnson quotes Peggy McIntoch “privilege exists when one group has something of value that is denied to others simply because of the groups they belong to, rather than because of anything they’ve don or failed to do.” One does not have to be an educated person who has won a Noble prize or has created a cure for infectous diseases to be privileged. Service men and women do not even have the privileges of the rich and famous. Today, being privileged is white, black, Hispanic, and gay, as long as you are rich! Let’s look at President Obama’s Inaugural Ball invitation list.
According to Msmbc .com,
“Celebrities were a plenty at the balls, with Stevie Wonder, Shakira, Mary. J. Blige, Faith Hill, Jay-Z, Alicia Keys, Adam Levine, will.i.am, Sting, Mariah Carey, and Leonardo DiCaprio in attendance at the Neighborhood Ball. In addition, the other nine balls also featured a star-studded lineup including Kanye West and Kid Rock at the Youth Ball, Marc Anthony at the Western Ball, and Cheryl Crow at the Western Ball.” I am not sure why these people were invited to the ball. Sure they are talented, but thin about how many doctors, teachers, police and other Americans who work every day to make a difference. Actors and actresses are not the only rich privileged in the world. We know who they are, and many of them, unlike Johnson’s view, are gay, black and female. As long as they have money they have social status. Education is not a factor! In fact President Obama is the first American president to not attend the Heroes Inaugural Ball. It seems as though it was more important to be with the privileged then with Metal of Honor Veterans who put their life on the line for Americans.
“Celebrities were a plenty at the balls, with Stevie Wonder, Shakira, Mary. J. Blige, Faith Hill, Jay-Z, Alicia Keys, Adam Levine, will.i.am, Sting, Mariah Carey, and Leonardo DiCaprio in attendance at the Neighborhood Ball. In addition, the other nine balls also featured a star-studded lineup including Kanye West and Kid Rock at the Youth Ball, Marc Anthony at the Western Ball, and Cheryl Crow at the Western Ball.” I am not sure why these people were invited to the ball. Sure they are talented, but thin about how many doctors, teachers, police and other Americans who work every day to make a difference. Actors and actresses are not the only rich privileged in the world. We know who they are, and many of them, unlike Johnson’s view, are gay, black and female. As long as they have money they have social status. Education is not a factor! In fact President Obama is the first American president to not attend the Heroes Inaugural Ball. It seems as though it was more important to be with the privileged then with Metal of Honor Veterans who put their life on the line for Americans.
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The privileged are very lucky, they get the best seats to sporting events, they get invited to Royal Weddings, and Inaugural Balls. They shake hands with and sit and dine with dignitaries, and they get to travel the world and be admired by everyone
Great use of all the hypertext and videos!! I love to see you use the technology that is available to you here!!
ReplyDeleteYour post reminds me of when I visited Fort Warren on one of the Boston Harbor islands this past summer. There was a display showing meals that were served during the time there and which soldiers and POWs were served which meals (there is a good picture of it on http://www.unionparkpress.com/georges-island-new-visitor-center-and-summer-shack/). I couldn't believe the fact that some of the Confederate prisoners ate better then our own soldiers just because of their rank and class (and I am sure the money they had...). Even when these leaders were held as hostages, they were still privileged due to their status.
ReplyDeleteDiana,
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with your idea that, in most instances, celebrity status or wealth is what is valued in American society, sometimes moreso than race. I always think of people like Lindsay Lohan (who really should be locked up for all her DWI's!). Instead, she is going to "rehab clinics" for a week or so. Then, she sports her house arrest bracelet with the newest Marc Posen dress as if it were an accessory! To me, that's not only acknowledging your power or privilege, but it's absolutely expoliting it! Or someone like Lil Wayne who went to jail for gun possession, but before he went, he made seven music videos and released songs on the radio so everyone would forget where he was (which, for the most part, the public did). I wonder if Johnson took wealth into consideration, but there wasn't too much mention of it in his article.
How about privileged white rich men in our country? They hold the purse strings. Yes, humor intended. I hope that developing an appreciation of our differences goes deeper than 'pockets.' Entertainment-its what a lot of people want to see....and society provides that outlet.
ReplyDeleteI'm curious, now that it's (the class) is "over". Do you still think our African American president has it easy? I think like you I believed that Johnson had missed the mark, but after our semester long exploration I can't help but think he may have been on to something... Also, I now see that all this hounding (still) of the President for his birth certificate is simply that use of power to cast doubt on his acceptance and belonging to a prestigous group...
ReplyDelete