Speaking Truth to Power
Overview
As American citizens, we can use our voices to communicate to our authority figures about how their decisions can impact society. One of the ways that we as citizens can participate in the creation of a future where all citizens are treated equitably is to voice our collective needs to those that we have placed in positions of authority. Before we do so, we should understand the relationship among power, privilege, and other socio-structural factors and the life circumstances of individuals from different groups. This paper will give you space to think through these ideas and to better prepare you to make your voice heard and have a positive impact on the world.
Requirements
Read the chapter Privilege, Power, Difference, and Us, pp. 69–78.
Answer the following
Summarize the chapter:
Define the concepts of power and privilege and how they relate.
Discuss the chapter in light of your textbook readings (especially Chapter 2: Analyzing Economic Inequalities):
What is your perspective on the relationship between power and privilege and social problems? Use specific examples to support your ideas.
If you could have a conversation with a person in a position of authority about the relationship between power, privilege, and current social problems, what would you discuss? What advice or tools would you suggest to help them gain more social intelligence in this area?
Sample Answer
Summary of Chapter: Privilege, Power, Difference, and Us
The chapter “Privilege, Power, Difference, and Us” by Peggy McIntosh explores the concepts of power, privilege, and difference, and how they intersect to shape the lives of individuals and society as a whole.
McIntosh defines privilege as “unearned access to resources (social power) only readily available to some people as a result of their advantaged social group membership.” She argues that privilege is invisible to those who have it, and that it can be used to maintain social inequality.
Power, on the other hand, is defined as “the ability to influence or control others.” McIntosh argues that power is not evenly distributed in society, and that those with power often use it to maintain their own privilege.