Alan Johnson, Intro to Privilege, Power and Difference

    Throughout the reading the author kept bringing up how certain words such as sexism, white privilege and racism. He also stated that when these words are brought up around certain people such as white males, it often makes them uncomfortable or even upset and a conversation would not be possible. When reading this is made me feel not uncomfortable but a little judged or picked out. As a white male I often hear these problems and how they need to change immediately because it is the right thing.

    Yes, I'll agree that we should live in a world where everyone is comfortable. But in reality, that will be very hard to achieve due to certain reasons that not everyone understands. A good common example is the issue of sexual orientation. Not everyone will agree that being homosexual is acceptable. But another person may argue that being homosexual is perfectly fine. Both arguments are completely valid based on different reasons. But if you think this is not okay, why do people consider this homophobic? Isn't it just freedom of speech?

    This brings to my next point and how I often feel. Often times I feel that these problems are just put on certain groups of people and it is all their fault. This is not how I feel. I think both sides are guilty. By both sides I mean all races, any sexuality and anything that could apply. Both sides need to understand that there are multiple opinions and not a single one may be correct. 

      Something that needs to be said after that is that I do not believe that racism, sexism or any hateful comments are acceptable. But the fact that both sides can't have an opinion or say in the situation is not fine. Both sides should always be respectful in all situations no matter what their view is. And that is how I think we can grow as people and a country. Instead of becoming hostile and attacking people based on their views, we should hold a peaceful and educated conversation. That is how any of these situations can improve. Not by what is happening now in the world. 

Both sides of any debate or situation should have the freedom of speech as long as it is not hateful in anyway. 

A point that I would like to discuss is how we could change the tactic of how we are working towards these issues being more accepted. Are there different ways to do this?