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| Sidney Cobb Class of 2019 |
The first time I ever acutely contemplated the definition of social justice was during the first meeting about the library assignment. I vividly recall asking myself, “what does social justice even mean?”, as we discussed some of the primary sources about the topic at our disposal. I in no way contend that the definition I have formed in the following weeks is complete or even right; however, I know that my perspective has inarguably been altered. To me social justice means one simple word. At first, I thought this word was equality. However, I realized that it can be simplified beyond this. The key to equality, and therefore social justice, is purely understanding: the ability to put aside all prejudices and listen. Listen to diverse perspectives and widen your mind. This is the only way in which social justice can be achieved.
At first I thought that equality was simply everyone being considered uniformly in the eyes of law in a color/gender/sexuality-blind society. However, now I realize that the issue of oppression has a much deeper breadth. In my Women and Gender studies class I was taught about the principle that personal is political. Often times society sees oppression as a problem of individuals and “deny that there is any systematic tendency” (Mcintosh 398). Through this thinking, the group deemed the privileged refuses to see themselves as connected to the problem. I admit that, before starting college these encompassed my thought on discrimination. However, I have now expanded that knowledge to think of discrimination as a social construction. With this in mind, I see that social justice is much more than equality in law but as an often invisible structure that affects every aspect of society. The first key is simply awareness and understanding.
Following the recognition that one must be aware of these underlying causes, I have also had the important realization that being silent is not being neutral. This connects directly to the doctrine of “personal is political” because, like it or not, everything one does has a larger scope. For example, imagine walking through the mall with friends when a girl, scantily clad in a short skirt and tall heels walks by. A friend then says, “look, what a slut”. Then you are faced with a choice—do you call them out or do simply ignore the comment? Before I had exposure to some theories and approaches regarding discrimination I may have simply ignored the comment; however, now I realize that, by disregarding offensive comments I am, in effect, encouraging the behavior. Too often those who are privileged institutionally and socially in society fall into what Mcintosh deems “meritocracy”: “the myth that democratic choice is equally available to all”. I recognize that it is easy for me to fall into this unless I continually exhort myself to be always aware of the hidden discriminations and privileges that infiltrate the American society. The key to fixing any problem is first recognizing it actually is a problem. This is a key way I, and others like me, can contribute to social justice goals.
The next question is now that the issue of social justice has been recognized “what will we do with such knowledge” (Mcintosh 402)? It is up to every person not only to recognize that inequalities exist but then to take a stance. Imagine how, if society simultaneously decided to no longer tolerate discriminatory language, remedy inconsistencies in housing and education availability, or simply listened to each other void of prejudices, much of a difference these changes would make. This is the key goal of social justice in my mind—to live with awareness and understanding that leads to a society where everyone is truly equal.
Sidney Cobb is a freshman McConnell Scholar at the University of Louisville. She studies political science.