Editor’s Note: The following article is an opinion piece that reflects the views of the author.
The concept of social justice diffuses through discussions surrounding equality, fairness and systematic inequalities. The pursuit of social justice manifests in various forms, each addressing different parts of inequality and oppression, all of which play a significant role in fostering a fair society.
Economic justice focuses on addressing economic inequalities and ensuring equitable access to resources for all members of society. A prime example of economic justice is the Fight for $15 movement, which originated in 2012 when fast food workers across the United States began to demand a minimum wage of $15 due to harsh working conditions and a rise in inflation. With the previous minimum wage since 2009 being $7.25, workers felt that an increase in pay was necessary to provide for themselves in this economy, as it was becoming extremely expensive to live comfortably. This movement serves as an example of activism, started by mainly underpaid workers, many of whom were people of color and women. The movement highlighted the struggles faced by individuals earning low-paying wages, despite being hard-working and full-time workers. Through strikes, protests and advocacy, the $15 movement became successful in raising public awareness about underpaid workers. The Fight for $15 movement has been a success in 15 states and is still being evaluated and phased by others.
Environmental justice advocates for equal treatment of all people, despite components such as race, color or income, in the environmental decision-making process. Ultimately, this movement improved wages and working conditions throughout the United States, advancing the cause of economic justice.
One example of environmental justice is the Flint Water Crisis, which took place from 2014 to 2019 in Flint, Michigan. In this crisis, predominantly African American residents became exposed to lead-contaminated water due to cost-cutting measures. This crisis endangered the health of African American citizens living in Flint, Michigan, at the time of the crisis. This violation of environmental justice principles woke up the nation, prompting calls for accountability to prevent similar injustices in the future. Health Department official Corrine Miller was soon sentenced to many years in prison, thanks to the protests and advocacy led by local individuals.
Criminal justice reform aims to correct systemic inequalities within the legal system. A case that exemplifies this form of social justice is the case of Kalief Browder, a 16-year-old African American teenager who was arrested at age 16 in 2013 for allegedly stealing a backpack, although the police did not have evidence of this occurrence. Browder spent three years serving detention at the Rikers Island Jail complex and was starved, beaten, and tortured by violent inmates because his parents could not afford the $3000 bail. Ultimately, all charges were later dropped due to a lack of evidence, but the trauma Browder faced did not disappear. The post-traumatic stress disorder Browder faced after being locked up later led to his suicide in 2015. His story caused public outrage and sparked conversation about systemic flaws in society.
Social media platforms have also become a big part of the promotion and awareness of social justice concerns. These platforms amplify awareness for specific organizations and awareness campaigns. Social media creates a foundation for individuals to share personal experiences, raise awareness surrounding social justice issues, and even raise funds. Through petitions, digital activism and the sharing of educational resources, social media serves as a catalyst for engagement in social justice matters.
In summary, social justice involves discussions surrounding equity, systematic equality, and fairness. Economic justice endeavors to fix economic disparities and ensure equitable access to resources, as exemplified by moments such as the $15 wage, the Browder case and the Flint Water Crisis. Social media platforms have emerged as crucial tools for promoting social justice concerns, amplifying awareness, and fostering engagement through hashtags, campaigns and fundraisers. As Dr. Cornel West stated, “Social justice is what love looks like in public.” This sentiment underscores the deep nature of social justice and compassion for others, emphasizing the importance of taking action to create a more equitable society. By embracing the principles of collective action as a society, we have the power to foster a more equitable world for future generations
