Power And Privilege By John Spencer Summary

Spencer’s main thesis is how an individual’s race, gender, religion, social class, and/or ethnicity have an effect on such person’s privileges and whether they will be oppressed from equal opportunity. Spencer explains that if one does not fit into societal norms, such as being white American and Christian, for example, then the result will be that such people will be oppressed from equal opportunity. Spencer explains that people who are of different race, gender, religion and/or social class, people will often experience discrimination, as a result of racism. For example, power and privilege are often held by white American’s in the United States and if someone does not fit that class, often times, people are treated differently than what

Like Spencer illustrated, as a woman, I am disadvantaged at walking through an alley at night- it is never safe for a woman. Spencer’s article made me aware of certain privileges I have because of the color of my skin. However, I felt such privileges taken away once I spoke in my mother’s native tongue or when I am seen walking to shul (synagogue). Due to past oppression, dating back generations in my family because we are Hispanic and Jewish, privilege is often taken for granted because oppression has had no effect in other people’s lives. Therefore, with the power of education, I can be the voice for the oppressed and disadvantage. The key is not to allow my education to get in the way of resentment, but to cultivate change when speaking to people in position of power. Spencer made me aware that I do not put much thought into my gender identity, as I conform to society’s “accepted” form of identity. I do however, respect and accept others who identity different than me. I do experience the privilege of having a full cognitive capacity, without the need to ask for accommodations. I rarely think about going to be placed where accessible entrance is necessary for the disabled or having to be worry having the police called on me because of the color of my

To be an ally, as Spencer explains, is to be the voice of societal change so the dominant ideology can be rejected. To be an ally also means to defend groups who are disadvantaged. We live in a dominant society that is ruled by a common ideology on certain beliefs that impedes all other secondary beliefs. I am aware that as a result of the dominant society we live in, it will hinder the ability for the marginalized groups equal opportunity. As future social workers, we should provide anti-oppressed services to all people. We should also be conscious of the privileges we may have than other who do not as a way to ensure we do not participate in the oppression of people. Spencer raised awareness into the impact of privileges we may have that others do not. We are encouraged to transform the affects of oppression onto others into challenging our dominant society. I am aware that oppression has always been a problem in our society, however with Spencer’s points of view, he has encouraged me to focus on how privilege has been constructed and so on, maintained. In future practice I must give attention to how the dominate culture has depended on the oppressed as a way to generate the dominant own privileges to thus challenge the