Reading Alan G. Johnson’s Privilege, Power, and Difference was both captivating and affirming. From the start, I found it easy to connect with because many of Johnson’s points echoed thoughts I already had about privilege and inequality. Rather than introducing me to an entirely new way of thinking, the book helped put into words and examples what I already recognized and agreed with. It was less about changing my mind and more about giving me a clearer framework to understand these issues and talk about them.
One part that stood out to me was Johnson’s point about the paradox of humanity. He reminds us of all the incredible things people have accomplished—we’ve created art, built societies, discovered cures, and we’re even the only species that laughs—yet we still struggle to treat people who look different from us with basic respect. That contradiction hit home for me because it shows how irrational and unnecessary racism and prejudice really are.
I also connected with Johnson’s insistence that we can’t avoid using words like “white” or “racism” if we want to truly face the issue. Too often people shy away from those terms because they’re uncomfortable, but if we don’t name the problem, we can’t begin to solve it. I’ve always believed that privilege isn’t about blaming individuals—it’s about recognizing larger systems. Johnson explained this well by showing that privilege is not personal or intentional, but something inherited by groups. His perspective helped reinforce the idea that privilege doesn’t erase personal struggle, but it does mean certain barriers aren’t stacked against you in the same way they are for others.
Several of his quotes stuck with me. For example, “her misfortune is connected to my fortune” captures the reality that privilege often exists because someone else is being denied opportunities. Another that resonated was “we may not realize how routinely we form such impressions until we run into someone who doesn’t fit neatly into one of our categories…” This reminded me how stereotypes break down so easily when we actually get to know people as individuals.
The long list of examples of privilege was also powerful. I’ve always believed privilege shows up in the small, everyday ways people are treated, but Johnson put it into clear, undeniable terms—things like being taken seriously, being respected, or not constantly having your identity questioned. His examples made me reflect more deeply on how privilege shapes daily life in ways that often go unnoticed by those who have it.
Finally, I appreciated his reference to James Baldwin and the idea that racism has no real meaning outside of privilege and oppression. It’s a powerful reminder that racism isn’t natural or inevitable—it’s something created and maintained by social systems.
Overall, I found Privilege, Power, and Difference to be an engaging and validating read. For me, it didn’t feel like being told something new, but rather having my own perspectives confirmed and expanded on. Johnson’s ability to explain privilege from his position as a white man makes the reading especially valuable for readers who may resist the topic, but for me, it was reassuring to see my own views reflected so clearly. This reading was both insightful and encouraging, and it’s the kind of book that helps turn awareness into action.
A link to the reading: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1uMSd-j8Uqvm3T0HW0EdUoUUpXNSvE2zZ/view
