Visions For Change

Well, the end of the semester is fast approaching and I am starting to experience the end of the semester blues.  I  am finding that my entire outlook on social justice has been changed through addressing my own ideas and prejudices.  Blogging has opened up a whole new world to me thaat I didn't know existed.  Throughout the chapters of the Adams text, we have looked at ways that society has endured and continues to perpetuate social injustices through racism, ageism and adultism, sexism, feminism, and a host of other ways that we dress up and call "norms".  So now that we have all this information, what exactly are we to do with it?

We must have a plan of action if this is to mean anything.  The last few chapters in the Adams text talks about creating visions and strategies for change.  This week I have a list of questions that I would like to ask my peers. Please post your answers or have them ready for class on Monday because it just seems a shame to leave this class feeling like I have some knowledge of what social justice means but no ideas or inclinations to actively pursue justice for anyone, including myself.

1.  What, if anything, have you learned about social justice?
2.  Do you aspire to advocate for others?  In what way/s?
3.  Do you feel that there is social inequality?
4.  Do you feel that everyone is responsible for these inequalities?
5.  What have you done this semester besides the social justice project to promote equality?
6.  Do you think one person can affect change?
7.  What are some of the things that you would like to see change in the next 5 years?
8.  Do you think that the Trayvon issue is just a small part of a larger problem?
9.  Do you think we accomplished anything positive in this class?
10. What are your plans to increase awareness and become active in promoting social justice?

When I ask myself these questions, I am disappointed by some of the answers but vow to actively start pursuing a more active role in the fight for equality for all, regardless of the circumstance.  Why do I feel that some injustices are worthy fighting but not all?  One of our classmates is very proactive when it comes to injustices and sometimes I am blown away by the activities she attends all to fight injustice.  I should strive to be more like her.  We all should.  Even if it doesn't affect us personally, we should fight because it is the right thing to do.

I'll leave you with this,
"It takes courage to interrogate yourself. It takes courage to look at the mirror and see past your reflection to who you really are when you take off the mask, when you're not performing the same old routines and social roles.  It takes courage to ask--how did I become so well adjusted to injustice?  Cornel West (Adams p.587)

Until next week....