I thought it very interesting to read something like the following in Allan Johnson's Privilege, Power and Difference: "For all it's popularity, the idea that everyone is naturally frightened by difference is a cultural myth that, more than anything, justifies, keeping outsiders on the outside and treating them badly if they happen to get in. The mere fact that something is new or strange isn't enough to make us afraid of it." When just a week ago, in Fear of Feminism by Lisa Maria Hogeland we were told that it was okay to be afraid, because feminism was something new, and that at some point, we would be able to accept it if we persevere. The opposing ideas can be so confusing, and at the same time serve as what one might call "food for thought". Even though Hogeland's point wasn't that we should fear the feminist movement, it's still slightly confusing to read both texts and compare the words. The one thing that the two texts do have in common that help merge the bridge between the two is the idea of consciousness -- being aware of what makes you privileged and knowing how politics can and will affect your life when you decide to do something about it. Sure, Privilege, Power and Difference doesn't go into details about it, but when presented the facts, critical thinking should do the rest.
(P.s. this was the Connection one~)
No comments:
Post a Comment