The first quote that stuck out to me while reading the first chapter was, " I'm aware that some readers-whites in particular, may already feel put off by my use of words like racism, white, and even worse white racism. One way to avoid such a reaction is to follow the advice I was once given to not use the words at all. However, if we dispense with the words, we make it impossible to talk about what's really going on and what it has to do with us."
This quote from chapter one emphasizes the importance of realizing you have the privilege or power to make a difference. Johnson is suggesting we talk and communicate with one another about these said problems that people are facing because without it no one will know how to fix it. People are blinded by the fact that others struggle through real world problems because they aren't going through it themselves. Just because it isn't happening to you doesn't mean you can't use your privilege and power to make a difference in another person's life.
My next quote is from chapter 2, "It is a trouble that shows up everywhere and touches every life one way or another. There is no escape however thick the denial. It's in families and neighborhoods, in schools, churches, in government and the courts, and especially in colleges and the workplace, where many people have their first true experience with people unlike themselves and what this society makes such a difference."
Having cultural self-awareness which understands one's own cultural background and privileges and demonstrates sensitivity to inequalities. Instead of avoiding talking about these topics it is easier to have those conversations to have a better understanding, so you are allowed to speak up for those facing cultural inequality. Being educated with make others feel more comfortable around you and the environment. It is no doubt that in the future you will be working with someone who is of a different race, sexual orientation, or religion and it is up to you to decide how you interact or communicate with them. You need to be willing to learn from others, it allows yourself to grow and expand your knowledge in ways you never knew. I am currently taking a history class that is about Africa and just from the first two classes I have already learned so much and I'm ready to learn more. Having an open mind is important when introduced to new things, we need to let ourselves embrace our differences instead of being ashamed.
My last quote is from chapter 3, "So Baldwin is telling us that race and its categories have no significance outsides of systems of privilege and oppression and it is these systems that created them."
If you don't belong to a system that accepts you for your differences and sees them as significant then they are socially unacceptable. It has become natural for people to notice color right away when you look at them. People assign others to a specific social category that dismisses everything that's within themselves and only focuses on what's on the outside. We are dehumanizing these people into making them think they are just what we see on the outside.
End reflection/questions
As I finished reading this it made me realize I still have a lot to learn about this oppressive system that we live in today. I want to be able to talk with others about these topics and gain knowledge so I can speak out and promote social justice. When I was in FNED 101 we ready about the cycle of liberation and ever since reading that article, it has opened my eyes to change. A lot of people are scared of change but without it these issues will never go away. We need to create change, change needs to be strengthened, monitored, and integrated into our daily lives.
