BY: BRITTNEY CHANNER
When you turn on the television to watch the news or sign in to one of your many social media platforms, what do you find to be the most reported subject? Some may say that they see reports regarding the weather, sports, health reform or world news. However, one of the most reported pieces of news that I find, stem from some form of injustice regarding a group of people, a single individual or the abuse of power from a governmental official.
Whatever the case may be, it can be difficult for the average human being to find their voice and attempt to combat the taxing issues of the world. Additionally, it can be just as difficult for individuals to attempt to understand the social justice problems around them because of how desensitized they might be due to how often such events occur. Nevertheless, everyone has the ability to combat social injustice within their community by exercising these (5) steps in releasing your inner justice warrior.
Step 1: Educate yourself about a particular issue or movement
Understanding the cause and the precise achievements of a particular movement is essential to creating the change you desire. Visiting websites and talking to representatives who can further explain to you the reasoning behind taking an official stand on a particular movement, can help you establish common ground. Also, by talking to someone who is more knowledgeable about a particular issue can help you further in making the decision of whether a particular movement represents what you stand for.
Step 2: Set an example for others to follow
When making the decision to stand up against social injustice, it is very important that you work on your own beliefs and habits to ensure that you are helping the issue at hand and not contributing to the problem. If this means you have to unlearn bad behavior and teachings, then spend time doing this; as it will actively encourage those around you to do and become better. For example, if one of your goals in tackling injustice is to spread awareness about racism, it will be very difficult for people to take you seriously if you indulge in racist acts or try to suppress people of color and their struggles.
Step 3: Get involved within your own community
Sometimes, you may not have to look further than your own backyard to see examples of injustice. The most effective and meaningful work comes from helping those within the community you live in. Fighting for those who may not have the voice to express themselves is another integral step in becoming an advocate for those who fall victim to injustice on a regular basis. Remember, there is no such thing as a change that is too small. The smallest actions create the biggest impacts.
Step 4: Utilize your social media platform
Living in the 21st century has provided us with the ability to share various amounts of information across the globe. Various social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram have all allowed people to spread awareness about important social issues. By using social media, you are able to educate others all over the world about social injustice and possibly allow them to contribute to combating such matters in their own unique way. Additionally, now more than ever, social media platforms such as these have given power to everyday individuals such as you and me, to expose people in power or anyone who chooses to engage in any form of injustice towards their fellow man.
Step 5: Believe in your cause 100%
Today, it is very easy to get sidetracked or distracted by all of life’s stresses, however, do not let these minor interruptions stop you from giving your all to fighting against inequality, discrimination, and injustice. Having 100% certainty in your cause will prompt those around you to pay attention and essentially assist in changing the lives of disadvantaged groups or those who are deemed “at risk”.
Combating social injustice can be very intimidating and difficult when looking at it from a larger perspective. It is tough, challenging and can be stressful work when you think about the millions of people who are mistreated on a daily basis. Nevertheless, if you are able to take at least one of the steps mentioned above, you will be able to create and most importantly see the change that you desire. Like Benjamin Franklin once said, “Justice will not be served until those who are unaffected, are as outraged as those who are”.
