Alan Johnson Reflection




Alan Johnson's article is an interesting delve into each of our roles in bias and discrimination. It scratches the surface of many societal issues, such as racism, classism, sexism, and just broadly, discrimination as a whole. But the whole article (as he himself mentions) is written from the point of view of a white, cishet, male, and as a whole, misses the mark. I myself am white, and male presenting, so we share that, but there are a few key differences. First of all, while he acknowledges that he is coming from a place of privilege, he lacks the inside perspective of someone who has experienced these things. I have a small bit more than him, having experienced homophobia and some classism firsthand, but I will never experience racism or sexism. I can seek to understand them, but it simply is not my place to preach about how we are "all the problem." I do believe that everyone has a part they can play, but these parts are so drastically different, and are unfairly assigned. My life is not by default controversial. I look "normal." I can live my life ignorant of the greater issues around me. Not everyone can say the same. These issues are not vague concepts that some theoretical people experience, they are real issues that many many real people have to deal with regularly. Whether it be explaining sexuality, or fighting to exist in white spaces, there is almost a burden of being "different." I will speak from the experience I do have. I am not straight. When people first discover this, it is a barrage of questions. I have the burden of explaining to people who I am, and not everyone believes that I should be allowed to exist, or at least be allowed to exist at the same level they do. This applies to any minority you can think of. By being "different," we have to fight for our space. White, cishet men don't have to do that. Alan Johnson makes some good points but it comes off as white saviorism and almost as if he is pushing blame. Yes, everyone can make a difference, but not everyone has a choice, whether or not they have to fight.

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