This brief book is a groundbreaking tool for students and non-students alike to examine systems of privilege and difference in our society. Written in an accessible, conversational style, Johnson links theory with engaging examples in ways that enable readers to see the underlying nature and consequences of privilege and their connection to it. This extraordinarily successful book has been used across the country, both inside and outside the classroom, to shed light on issues of power and privilege.

I highly recommend this book both to those who have worked with the material of oppression for a long time as well as for those who are struggling to understand what it's all about. The book is powerful and gentle at the same time - something that is very important when dealing with issues of oppression and equity.

78 of 87 found the following review helpful:


This book really makes a difference!  May 14, 2001 By Jane Connor
I adopted this very readable book as one of several required books for my Multicultural Psychology class and it has had a tremendous impact on my students. Johnson explains the concept of privilege, as it applies to race, gender and sexual orientation, in ways that allow my White students and other students with privilege to hear and understand without getting defensive. He desribes why change is difficult but not impossible, what we can all do to stop supporting "the system" and why we should. I recommend it highly for both college and high school students and the general adult population.

45 of 53 found the following review helpful:


Superb, non-threatening and helpful  Jul 15, 2005 By J. Kelly-Moore "humanitarian"
As an instructor working in the Humanities, finding non-threatening ways to talk about privilege, whiteness, and/or racism is very challenging. As I read the negative reviews, I am even more aware of how difficult it is to get these ideas across without being accused of self-hatred, etc. In an effort to encourage positive self reflection on these complex issues, I have read many of the foundation works Dr. Johnson mentions. His recapituation of these ideas is indeed gentle. One of the best things he does is make it possible for individuals to recognize that, while they may have unearned entitlements in one area, they may not have them in another. In this way, it is possible for practically everyone to recognize the feeling of being an outsider and this can lead to a compassion and understanding that has NOTHING TO DO with guilt. This work can create a bridge. As an instructor in the area of cultural studies, I often must challenge individuals who believe feeling guilty is all they can do. It isn't. Dr. Johnson gives us actions that we as individuals can actually engage. BTW the chapter on Capitalism is elegant dynamite.

If you are open to the possibility that things can get better through a personal self-reflective understanding of our socio-economic location, read this book. If not, don't waste your time.

34 of 41 found the following review helpful:


Awesome  Mar 16, 2001 By Hadley Lehman
I read this book filled with skepticism about what could be done about the problems of prejudice and injustice in our society. Johnson answered my every question and even pointed out ways that I fall short. He writes in a witty, conversational style, using many personal examples. I would recommend this book for absolutely anyone to read. Teachers: use this book in your classes. Mine did, and it has made a huge difference in my life.

21 of 26 found the following review helpful:


Amazing book!  Sep 05, 2005 By Alexis
In this book, the author describes how the world works. It can all be summed up by this sentence in his book:

"The trouble that surrounds difference is really about privilege and power - the existence of privilege and the lopsided distribution of power that keeps it going."

Differences include, class, race, gender, sexual orientation, disability...and the list goes on.

If you like to educate yourself; if you crave an understanding of the way things work; if you love to read, get this book. You won't regret it. It's written beautifully; in sort of a conversation tone. I swear I was just going to take a nap, and as I lied in bed and started reading this, I couldn't fall asleep because I didn't want to stop reading. So go out there and get this book! I know you'll love it. I'm falling in love with this amazing sociologist. He's easily becoming a favorite. This book is changing my life already, and I guarantee it will change yours.

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