What the Heck Is Social Justice, Anyway?
Lately, I hear and see the term "social justice" on at least a daily basis. In all honesty, I have no idea what it means.
In looking at the words, I would surmise that it means that those who contribute the most to society should get the biggest reward, those who contribute little should reap little and those who impact society negatively should be penalized. In other words, those who contribute heavily to economic growth should get a huge finacial windfall, while those who are able, but choose not to work should get absolutely nothing. Societal recompense should be expected of those who choose to live irresponsibly and in a way that negatively impacts society such as choosing to drop out of school or to damage themselves and their family through drug use.
My confusion is that in the context it is used, the term often sounds as if it means the opposite.
I guess I just don't get it. And, from what I can tell, I think that's to my credit.
In looking at the words, I would surmise that it means that those who contribute the most to society should get the biggest reward, those who contribute little should reap little and those who impact society negatively should be penalized. In other words, those who contribute heavily to economic growth should get a huge finacial windfall, while those who are able, but choose not to work should get absolutely nothing. Societal recompense should be expected of those who choose to live irresponsibly and in a way that negatively impacts society such as choosing to drop out of school or to damage themselves and their family through drug use.
My confusion is that in the context it is used, the term often sounds as if it means the opposite.
I guess I just don't get it. And, from what I can tell, I think that's to my credit.
posted by Nordeaster | 12:27 PM
3 Comments:
Hmmm... I'm intrigued by this post. You're right--the words "social justice" are becoming a household term, but what do they really mean?
Here's another interpretation, off the top of my head: A crowd of people is watching an outdoor concert. Suddenly some drunken merrimakers barge in and start shouting insults at the band, and so loudly, the concert-goers can't hear the music. Therefore, the concert-goers band together and escort the intruders to the door.
Would this be a form of social justice?
Social Justice means exactly what your surmise in your post. "Social Justice" means that victim groups, ivory tower elites and liberal organizations can attack conservatives with impunity. It's a charming system.
However ... if "social" is used to imply a community as it often relates, then wouldnt the social justice of, say, a red state be seen as radically unjust in a blue state? And where is the damn justice in that?!
I'll mark it up to the same rank as "politically correct".
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