"All of us are part of the problem. There is no way to avoid that as long as we live in the world. But we could also make ourselves part of the solution if only we knew how" (vii).
The quote above is one of the first things that Johnson said in his introduction. I thought it was very interesting to start off that way. It should be noted that he also later said how people think they're about to be told they've done something wrong, but that defensive reaction just makes the greater problem worse. Starting off the book by saying these things made such an impact because it really brings to light that we all need to work together to discuss these problems even if it makes us uncomfortable.
"We can't talk about it if we can't use the words" (11).
Again, even if it makes us uncomfortable, we need to get used to using the proper language that really describes the issues going on. If we can't use the proper vocabulary then it will be even more difficult to talk or write about it. He says "when you name something, the word draws your attention to it, which makes you more likely to notice it as something significant" (11, 12). People, including myself when I was first made to talk about it in FNED 101, have trouble saying words or talking about racism, sexism, white privilege, etc. It's in fact an uncomfortable topic for many, but it's extremely important to talk about if we want to ignite any change.
The Diversity Wheel
"The trouble around diversity, then, isn't just that people differ from one another. The trouble is produced by a world organized in ways that encourage people to use difference to include or exclude, reward or punish, credit or discredit, elevate or oppress, value or devalue, leave alone or harass" (19).
Being different isn't the problem, it's the fact that society makes it the problem. It's not fair or right to exclude or oppress people due to their differences whether it be race, or gender or whatever! We should be celebrating our differences. It's misconstrued that we should just ignore them, because obviously we shouldn't, but we should see them and celebrate them.
If you want to read this yourself, read it here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1uMSd-j8Uqvm3T0HW0EdUoUUpXNSvE2zZ/view
