In this chapter Johnson explains how dominant groups members are privileged which makes them less likely to realized they are part of a problem. These dominant group members use strategies to deny, minimize and erase the oppression of social groups in the US. They often deny that a problem existed in the first place in order to get off the hook. They may say that racism, disabilities and sexism used to be problems but they are not any more. This way they are not responsible for the clear problem that does still exist and don’t feel liable to help the cause. Dominant groups also minimize the oppression of social groups by blaming them. They may come up with a blame such as “blacks wouldn’t have so much trouble if they worked as hard as white people.” They may also call a problem something else or believing “its better this way” as a way of making it less important and denying there is an actual problem. Dominant groups also feel that if they don’t mean what they are doing then it doesn’t really count that there were any repercussions of what they did. This relates to the example given whether is it polite for men to open doors for women or if it is demeaning.
These practices do not help the unprivileged victims but blame them. They do not stop the vicious cycle of oppression but makes it worse. By denying and minimizing the problems and struggles of the oppressed they are making the problems worse. By making themselves feel better and blaming others dominant groups are continuing the cycle of oppression and hate.
In order to interrupt this cycle there needs to be a change. Instead of dominant groups trying to get off the hook they need to take action. The first step in any kind of rehab or want to a solution is to stop denying there is a problem. The dominant groups need to stop denying they are not the causes of oppression. They need to realize that even if they are not directly trying to oppress or target social groups they are privileged and indirectly targeting them. Everyone needs to take a stand and open their eyes to their effects on the lives of others.
In order to interrupt this cycle there needs to be a change. Instead of dominant groups trying to get off the hook they need to take action. The first step in any kind of rehab or want to a solution is to stop denying there is a problem. The dominant groups need to stop denying they are not the causes of oppression. They need to realize that even if they are not directly trying to oppress or target social groups they are privileged and indirectly targeting them. Everyone needs to take a stand and open their eyes to their effects on the lives of others.
I completely agree with you on how we need to stop the cycle of oppression. I also think you have some ver good insight into the chapter. Do you think there's more we could do though to help stop the cycle at all?
ReplyDeleteThank you Phebs,
ReplyDeleteI think the most important thing we can do to stop the cycle of oppression is becoming aware of it in our lives in the first place!
You are right kelly, that should be the first step. But my input on the next step is to "level the field". To realize our privileges and listen to what the underprivileged have to say. To listen to their stories and then we can learn how to live together.
ReplyDeleteI couldn't agree more that these strategies do nothing but make the cycle worse. It's just a non-stop continuum of hate and oppression. I also said the first step to stop this oppression is to realizing and stop being in denial. I feel denial is the major cause, but I also feel that there are so many people in denial that this cycle of oppression will never come to an end. Your last line is very great on how everyone needs to open their eyes and see how they are effecting others.
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