#1 Intro to Power, Privilege and Difference by Alan Johnson

EXTENDED COMMENTS: For this week, I chose to do an Extended Comments piece. After reading Johnson’s text and reviewing other’s blog posts, I was inspired to expand on their thoughts. While this reading was outside of my comfort zone, it was intriguing to see how complex our society is and how powerful these overarching ideologies are in our lives. Not only did the quote that Autumn used in her piece stand out to me but also her deeper connections she made about the text. Johnson recognizes dominant culture and the roles that we play as humans in perpetuating these norms. He also emphasizes that change is not possible unless we make a conscious effort to change how we think, speak and act. This is something that Autumn mentions when she references the quote, “We are prisoners to something but it is closer to our own making than we realize” (Johnson). A quote that echoes Autumn’s point is that, “We are, both individually and collectively, stuck in a kind of paralysis that perpetuates the trouble and its human consequences” (Johnson vii). If we do not voice the “elephant in the room” by discussing the negative ideologies in our society, then there will be no change. If we do not apply the “golden rule” by treating people how they want to be treated, then there will be no change. The point of emphasis here is that Johnson recognizes that we live in a structure that has existed long before us but if we do not challenge the norms then we, as humans, can only expect for things to stay the same. Overall, I appreciate Autumn’s post for inspiring my thoughts on this reading and agree that change, specifically positive change, is possible if we as individuals and as humans in a society agree to open our minds and our eyes to seeing others for who they are and not what they are categorized by in mainstream culture. __________________________________________________ Questions/Comment/Point to Share: After class today, I realized that I had not thought of life outside the bubble that is America. The US struggles to see unity and focuses on the dividers between individuals and communities. This is something that I had not thought of before and simply because I have not traveled outside of the US, does not mean that I should not learn about or think of other parts of the world. This link is included as a resource to learn more about the author, Alan Johnson. The image at the top of the page supports how I feel like I have been living in a bubble but also how our country is in a bubble that is not open towards other countries across the globe.

Introducing Me

8/29/23

Who am I?

Hi guys, I'm Liv :) The photo below is from when I went to the Jonas Brothers concert with my sister last week! This photo describes who I am because I love music, spending time with my sister, and connecting with other people! 

At the Jonas Brothers concert last week with my sister :)

What did I do over the summer?

Over the summer, I went on two vacations - the first one I took was to Florida with my boyfriend, Kyle, and his family and the other one was with my family to South Carolina! 

This is Kyle :)

My mom, sister and I at the Salty Dog Cafe in Hilton Head, South Carolina

What do I do when I'm not in class?

When I'm not in class, I'm coaching cheer or tumbling. I also love to go to the gym. After starting CrossFit almost 3 years ago, fitness is a big part of my life. Ever since my days as a gymnast, I have loved working out and getting stronger - I also find that working out boosts my mood and has helped reduce my anxiety. 

My first CrossFit competition in July - super nervous but excited and had so much fun! 

Where do I work?

I am a JV cheer coach for my high school, a tumbling coach for gymnastics and this is the first year I will also be a PE teacher. 

My JV Cheer team this Fall '23

What kinds of hobbies am I into?

In my free time I love to watch movies and in the summer I love to go to the beach. My favorite beach is Second Beach in Newport! My favorite movie to watch with my sister, Emme, is Aquamarine. We have loved it since we were little and it's such a core memory I have with her. 

Me, Brooke, my Memere and Emme getting lemonade this summer  - that night me and Emme watched Aquamarine together - feeling nostalgic! 

Thank you so much for taking a look at my blog! Looking forward to getting to know everyone throughout this semester! :)