Privilege, Power, and Difference

Johnson explains how privilege is actively produced and maintained through everyday actions and decisions that may appear neutral, but which are deeply imbued with discrimination. He illustrates this through specific examples such as universities favoring children of alumni over potentially more qualified candidates from less-privileged backgrounds, which perpetuates class privilege.

Johnson also delves into more subtle forms of discrimination that occur in social interactions. These actions contribute to a sense of belonging or exclusion and are potent means by which privilege is enacted and felt. He states, “It can be as subtle as shifting your gaze, leaning your body away, or editing your speech” (56), which highlights how everyday behaviors reinforce social hierarchies. He further discusses the impact of systemic racism through examples like the steering of people of color away from certain neighborhoods by real estate agents or differential treatment by banks—a practice that contributes to racial segregation and economic disparities. He ties these practices to broader social outcomes, such as limited access to quality jobs, education, and healthcare, which are crucial for social mobility.

The text also delves into the impact of these behaviors on various marginalized groups. For example, Johnson highlights how women and gay men face not only systemic discrimination but also an ongoing threat of violence, which significantly shapes their freedom and behavior in public and private spaces.