SOCIAL JUSTICE

What does social justice mean to me?

Social justice to me means exactly what it states, justice which is social. More specifically, in an environment such as the United States , it means equality and fair treatment for the overall society. Social justice consists of the words social and justice, which both carry loaded connotations with them. Social in this usage of the word literally means "of or pertaining to the life, welfare, and relations of human beings in a community:
social problems." (dictionary.com, 2008) Additionally, justice in this usage literally means "the quality of being just; righteousness, equitableness, or moral rightness: to uphold the justice of a cause." (dictionary.com, 2008)
When combining the two definitions as construed by me, social justice means righteousness, equitableness or moral rightness that pertains to the life, welfare, and relations of human beings in a community. That community for me is the United States of America , and becomes more specific the more localized the focus becomes. That righteousness and equality manifests itself through a myriad of ways, but most noticeably through social services and public policy. Thus, social justice to me means equality and fair treatment for all members of the community through public policy and social services that apply to the community.


How is it or isn’t it applied to my life?
Social justice is applied to my life in a variety of ways. I initiate social justice by consistently being fair and equitable in my treatment of everyone I come in contact with, regardless of race, nationality or creed. I also implore social justice by being an active member of the democratic process by voting and registering other eligible citizens to vote. Social justice is also applied to my life by my effort to become a member of the litigation system which will assist me in becoming even more vocal in the process of accountability for the leading component of the social justice system.

What is one thing I can do personally to achieve social justice in my own life?

The most important thing that I can do to achieve social justice in my own life is to remain an active and engaged member of my social atmosphere by participating in the democratic process which comprises the US political culture. More specifically, this means I must continue to stay abreast of what the major social issues are that plague my community, and gain as much knowledge as possible concerning the individuals who are interested in occupying a position of leadership, and make sure that the two aspects are in alignment with my perspective regarding the matters.