Privilege, Power, and Differences

 Blog #1

Chapter 1: Privilege, Power, and Differences By Alan Johnson 

For my first post, I decided to focus on reflection, as I connected with the reading of author Alan Johnson in many aspects. Firstly, the author emphasizes the importance of working towards transformation, something I truly agree with. As a future educator, I have started to focus on shaping my identity and what I truly want to be and must be. Initially, when I chose the major in World Languages, I was only focused on my desire to teach Spanish to native English speakers. However, as time passed, I learned to know myself and questioned if that was my sole purpose. I realized that I not only wanted to teach a language but also be part of those who transform the world, working hard regardless of the barriers. But to achieve that, I needed to start with my self-transformation. That is, we cannot improve our society if we do not learn, change, and improve ourselves.

In this chapter 1, the author also emphasizes how the division between people of different races and economic differences still persists. This narrative caught my attention, particularly due to my personal experience. The reality of being part of the Hispanic community in this context led me to reflect on the challenges we face and how these divisions directly affect my life and others in similar circumstances. This personal connection has heightened my commitment to understanding these social dynamics and strengthened my determination to advocate for equity and justice in the society I live in. I recalled how, in my journey, I have faced challenges related to identity and inclusion while witnessing the economic disparities affecting many Hispanic communities in the United States. The reading prompted me to reflect on moments when I felt the influence of these divisions in my daily life, both in the workplace, education, and social spheres. If you ask me why I chose to be an educator, the truth is that this experience is one of the main reasons. My purpose is not only to teach Spanish but also to advocate for positive change and work towards a more inclusive and equitable society. 

Question

In your opinion, how can our community help to foster inclusivity and equity, ultimately building a more unified and fair society?