Talking Point 1
"This defensive reaction has done more than perhaps anything else to keep us stuck in our current paralysis by preventing each of us from taking the steps required to become part of the solution." (vii)
This quote made me reflect deeply on my own reactions to disagreement, especially when I am the person in the wrong. When I was younger, I used to become defensive and block myself off from connection. I believe that what has allowed me to become someone fighting for intersectional solutions is an openness to being wrong and to connections with others, even (and especially) if they think differently than I do.
Talking Point 2
This whole paragraph really jumped out to me. I have felt this same struggle so many times, especially when talking to people who hold privileges that I do not hold. I find myself fearing their reaction and their defensiveness, while at the same time knowing that I hold the same capability for defensiveness within me. How do I expect people to learn with me if I won't say fire? The fact of these words (dominant, subordinate, oppression, etc.) shouldn't be taboo, and we can only change that by saying them over and over and over.
This also made me reflect on the Don't Say Gay laws. My feelings about this topic can be summed up by this protest sign:
Talking Point 3
Reflection question on page 25: What happens when those with "unearned privilege" become threatened by equality? How can we navigate this reaction?
These questions made me think of this study: Only For My Kid: How Privileged Parents Undermine School Reform
Argument
The author "Johnson" argues that in order to address privilege and become part of the solution, we have to name it and give each other the language to become comfortable talking about it.
Hey! I really connected with your point about defensiveness preventing meaningful conversations. Johnson emphasizes that systems of privilege continue because people often avoid discomfort instead of engaging with it, and I think your reflection shows the importance of being open to learning, even when it's uncomfortable. I also agree that giving people the language to talk about privilege, oppression, and inequality is essential if we want to create change, because we cannot address problems that we are unwilling to name.
ReplyDeleteHi Daniel! Thanks for the post! I loved your quote for point 2. I thought this was a great illustration of how people skirt around the issue by not actually talking about it. I appreciate your honest reflection about the topic. Admittedly, this is something I am quite guilty of. Over time, I've become very adept at choosing the least offensive language possible. Often I imply what I'm talking about to the listener, but don't directly say things, especially in fear of making someone else uncomfortable. But you made a good point about expecting others to point out the fire if you are unwilling to yourself. It speaks to a sense of integrity.
ReplyDeleteHey Daniel! Your post is very detailed and has amazing points. I was nervous about completing the first assignment; I think I did ok but not great. Viewing your blog has helped me to see how I can do better. I have a colleague who is married to her wife. It breaks my heart when I see what people are doing to them; they should love who they want to love. I want their daughter to feel safe. I feel proud that their daughter already stands up for them. My favorite story is when Oakley was in the grocery store, and a lady said to her, "Where is your daddy?" Oakley said, "No daddy, two mommies" with a face.
ReplyDeleteLove your reflection question at the end. I think it's tricky because we don't want to have to make ourselves small or soften our language and we shouldn't have to when we are defending our privilege, but then sometimes the valid expression of emotion triggers more defensiveness. I'm honestly not quite sure how to balance that in the age of the internet and the current political polarization.
ReplyDeleteWe have the same first quote! It shows how powerful it is to the audience and how we are drawn to it. In the research class you're taking in the fall, there is a section about defensiveness that I think will help you build on your ideas here!
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