S.C.W.A.A.M.P Post

     Differences amongst a community is always going to be a defining moment. Commonality is a basis that can form alliances and friendships but differences are what individuals sees what separates us from them. At least, that is the American perspective. In chapter one, "Rodney King's Question" we are left with that big inquiry "Can't we all just get along?" and are then reminded of the many reasons why the answer is and always will be 'no.' Society breaks us down into many classifications. Those are by race, gender, class, sexual orientation, religion and more. The reading states that Du Bois believed that color would be a defining issue but that there are others that are also factors. Slavery was once a civil issue that had blacks inferior to whites and that ideology still carries today in different forms. This can look like a white man and black man going for the same job with the same qualifications and backgrounds but the white man still getting it. However, more vividly today, we are also having crimes against those that are homosexual and transgendered. We arrest the homeless for sleeping in tents, making it a class issue against the victim and so much more. Our differences of being white or colored, straight or gay and wealthy or poor forces us to put power moves in place that keeps our idea of privilege one sided.

    As a society, we say we want to be better and make the changes necessary to keep our society fair and just. However, when we come face to face with the issue at hand, it becomes difficult to discuss and make plans for. We know that the average man is making more money than a woman or that Sarah will get a call back from a job before Sade will, or that Jaren, who changed his name and features to a Jasmine will most likely be targeted for a hate crime. However, Jasmine and Sade are most likely the only ones who will talk about their social issues for themselves. They are the ones who will care enough to do something because they know that oppressive form is no way to live. 

Understanding S.C.W.A.A.M.P. and the societal damage it can bring on other individuals is why we should work to understand our own privilege and how we can help others through their oppressive ways of living. Everyone's experience is different and privilege comes in different forms and shades. Individuals are not always tied to the privilege we believe they acquire; a white male could still be seen through a disadvantaged lens depending on their economic status and that experience becomes one that goes against society's beliefs. If we want to change our belief system and have a better outlook on those different from us, we must open ourselves up to others experiences and have those tough conversations that keep us from making real change.