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SOCIAL JUSTICE BELIEFS AND VALUES
WHY ARE YOU TAKING SOCIAL JUSTICE 12?
Identify/recall the reasons why you decided to take SJ 12.
WHY ARE YOU TAKING SOCIAL JUSTICE 12?
Not to be ignorant, closed or narrow-minded, prejudice, discriminatory . . .
To understand the issues, to gain more knowledge, personal interest,
to be more active, to have a voice, to help with equality, to be part of a
solution not part of the problem . . .
AWARENESSA Vital Social Justice Skill
SELF-AWARENESS is . . .
Self-awareness =
is the capacity for introspection (examination of one's own conscious thoughts, beliefs and feelings) and the ability to recognize oneself as an individual separate from the environment and other individuals.
SITUATIONAL AWARENESS is . . .
Situational awareness =
involves being aware of what is happening in the vicinity (around you), in order to understand how information, events, and one's own actions will impact goals and objectives, both immediately and in the near future.
BELIEFS are . . .
Beliefs =
1. an acceptance that a statement is true or that something exists = "her belief in the value of hard work"
2. trust, faith, or confidence in someone or something = "a belief in democratic politics"
VALUES are . . .
Values =
1. the regard that something is held to deserve; the importance, worth, or usefulness of something = "your support is of great value"
2. a person's principles or standards of behavior; one's judgment of what is important in life = "they internalize their parents' rules and values"
DISCUSSION
1. Why is it valuable to know who we are?
2. Why is it important to know what we believe, why we believe it, how our beliefs affect ourselves and others?
3. To what extent can our beliefs change over time and for what reasons?
IMAGESThe “Story” Behind Them
ACTIVITY #1
As a group/individually construct what you believe to be the background information or “story” behind the image = what is going on?
Provide as many details as you can + provide evidence for your ideas.
Your stories or scenarios should be plausible and thoughtful.
DISCUSS
Share your interpretation of the image you received.
All students are encouraged to respond in an attempt to reveal the many differences in beliefs and perceptions about human beings and their situations.
What are the similarities and differences among the responses? Why would this be?
ACTIVITY #2
As an individual take a look at the following images and note down on a piece of paper who you think the person is.
You will only have seconds to analyze and label the picture.
The following is the list of options to choose from = match the image to the label.
List of Label Options
AthleteFreedom Fighter
Child SoldierRapistPoetFelon
TeacherDisabled Person
Picture #1
Picture #2
Picture #3
Picture #4
Picture #5
Picture #6
Picture #7
Picture #8
Picture #1 = Felon Martha Stewart
Picture #2 = Athlete Oscar Pistorius + murderer?
Picture #3 = Child Soldier Michel Chikwanine
Picture #4 = Freedom Fighter Nelson Mandela
Picture #5 = Poet Shane Koyczan
Picture #6 = UBC Professor Kim Snowden
Picture #7 = Clara Hughes Raising awareness about Mental Illness
(Depression)
Picture #8 = Rapist (Paul Wilson, UK)
Reflection and Analysis
Why did you match the labels to the pictures the way you did?
What do you think is behind such categorization?
Information to Digest
These split second assessments are what we do on an everyday basis.
Some of your connection play into bias + stereotypes other not so much.
Bias, pre-judging and using stereotypes are how we sort out/categorize/organize
our world; it is “normal”.
Information to Digest
However, it is when we use our bias, prejudice, and stereotypes in actively
discriminatory ways that they become a problem/a social injustice.
It is our awareness of them that is important; our ability to recognize them as (potentially) harmful and
erroneous.
IMPACTS OF BELIEFS
Quick write = write a one-paragraph response to the question:
“What impact do my beliefs have on others, locally and globally?”
You are encouraged to consider the impact on other people as well as on animals and the environment.
BRAINSTORM
Brainstorm (as a class) a list of items that answers the question:
“Where do our values and beliefs come from?”
All responses shared by the class will be recorded by your groups – have a note taker.
BRAINSTORM
Now, in your table groups, categorize the responses.
Possible categories might include family, peers, cultural expectations, society, institutions, employers, other individuals, and so on.
GROUP DISCUSSION
Discuss the differences among the categories:
Why are so many beliefs from _________?
Why are others influenced by _________?
What does this mean . . .?
Etc.
GROUP RANKING
1. First, rank the original list of items from greatest to least influence on your current beliefs.
2. Now rank the list according to which you think will be the greatest and least influence on yourselves ten years in the future.
CLASS DISCUSSIONINFLUENCE + TIME
Why are there differences in influence on you (as individuals)?
Do you think time impacts or changes these influences? Why or why not? Explain.
BELIEFS ARE . . . SOCIALLY CONSTRUCTED
Social Constructionist Theory =
Social constructionist is a sociological theory built upon the observation that many of aspects of our everyday experience are the consequence of implicit social agreement, institutional practices or collective social action rather than objective reality, and only exist within the context of such agreements, practices or collective actions.
BELIEFS ARE . . . SOCIALLY CONSTRUCTED
Thus, many of the things we take for granted are not actually objective facts about the world, independent of human subjectivity, but are instead the products of human inter-subjectivity (psychological relations between people).
BELIEFS ARE . . . SOCIALLY CONSTRUCTED
What is a Social Construct? =
A social construct is anything that exists by virtue of social interactions=created by us
BELIEFS ARE . . . SOCIALLY CONSTRUCTED
For example, such things as nations, presidents, money and language are all human constructs (they are imagined). Regardless, they are an important part of our function.
BELIEFS ARE . . . SOCIALLY CONSTRUCTED
What is Social Reality? =
Social reality is the "universe" of socially constructed knowledge created by our interactions over time!
BELIEFS ARE . . . SOCIALLY CONSTRUCTED
Social reality is grounded in our behavior, our beliefs and values, our languages, our culture and our institutional practices and it colors almost all of our perception.
Although it is largely the consequence of our interactions, we nevertheless occupy it largely without ever becoming explicitly aware of its importance and constructed nature.
RESPONSE/REFLECTION
Quick write = create a one-paragraph response to the question:
“To what extent (how I do and how I do not) do I have control over my
own beliefs?”
INVESTIGATING PERSONAL BELIEFS
Raising awareness of how we react to what others believe
THE STATEMENT ACTIVITY
You will be provided with controversial and inflammatory statements.
These are not meant to cause conflict; they are for you to assess how you feel about/perceive them.
THE STATEMENT ACTIVITY
It is not the statements being made that are important; rather, what is crucial is how you respond to what is being said.
Pay special attention to your own feelings, interpretations, biases, physical and emotional reactions, and perceptions.
THE STATEMENT ACTIVITY
I will read aloud each statement.
I will pause to provide time for you to respond.
Note down the statement number (i.e. Statement #8) before you respond.
THE STATEMENT ACTIVITY
You will be given time to privately record your reactions (emotional + intellectual) after hearing the statements being made.
Remember, you are not commenting on whether or not they agree or disagree with the statement; only on how you respond to hearing it (or saying it).
THE STATEMENT ACTIVITY: Assistance via Guiding Statements
To assist you in your emotional and intellectual responses use the following guiding statements (see handout) as guidelines:
I felt angry when I heard her/his statement about …
When I read that statement, I was embarrassed/ashamed/etc. . . .
Assistance via Guiding Statements
I hope she/he doesn’t really believe that …
When I heard/ read that, I couldn’t help but feel …
The statement made me think about how dangerous bias can be …
It was hard to hear that because I know it’s true…
THE STATEMENT ACTIVITY:Response/Reflection
Review your responses to each of the statements (include the number + a description about what the statement professed).
Now select ONE statement that resonated with you for various reasons.
THE STATEMENT ACTIVITY: Response/Reflection
Using that statement write response/ reflection.
Do the following in your response/ reflection:
1. Identify the statement you are referring to
2. Comment on the nature of your response:
THE STATEMENT ACTIVITY: Response/Reflection
physical response—quickened pulse, raised eyebrow, laughter, scowl, etc.
emotional response—sadness, pity, empathy, rage, etc.
intellectual response—connections made to other situations or experiences, rationalizing or justifying, etc.
THE STATEMENT ACTIVITY: Response/Reflection
3. Comment on how your response made you feel = surprised, aware, bigoted, justified, etc.
4. Indicate the likelihood of the same response from you in a non-experimental situation
5. Indicate and explain the possible reasons why your reaction might or might not change over time given new perspectives and understandings
HOW PERSONAL CHOICE AFFECTS OTHERS
UP NEXT
HOW PERSONAL CHOICE AFFECTS OTHERS
Personal Choices Impact Others Locally + Globally
PERSONAL CHOICES + EMPATHY
Empathy =
is the experience of understanding another person's condition from their perspective; you place yourself in their shoes and feel what they are feeling.
PERSONAL CHOICES + EMPATHY
The Power of Empathy
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Evwgu369Jw (2:53)
PERSONAL CHOICES + EMPATHY
Social Empathy =
is the ability to understand people by perceiving or experiencing their life situations and as a result gain insight into structural/social inequalities and disparities.
PERSONAL CHOICES + EMPATHY
Why do we need social empathy?
1) Increased understanding of social, economic, and political inequalities can lead to social, economic, and political justice and societal well-being = equality.
PERSONAL CHOICES + EMPATHY
2) Offers a model for how we can help people think about and act in ways that are in the best interest of others.
3)Helps us to see how we can achieve social justice.
PERSONAL CHOICES + EMPATHY
4) Can serve as an educational model to help policy makers and members of society make decisions that are grounded in the experiences of those who will be impacted by the policy/law.
5) Can effect change.
PERSONAL CHOICES + EMPATHY
Why do we need to promote social empathy or just plain empathy?
Because people need help to understand how we are connected across groups and social policies; since we are all connected it is our responsibility to actively help one another.
SOCIAL EMPATHY AS A PATHWAY TO SOCIAL CHANGE
We need empathy because:
Lacking a deep understanding of others can lead to scapegoating, distrust, and in extreme cases destruction of other cultures.
SOCIAL EMPATHY AS A PATHWAY TO SOCIAL CHANGE
Lacking empathy can lead to racism, sexism, homophobia, bullying, ableism etc. because levels of empathy are different for people who are “different” = in-group vs. out-group or us vs. them.
Lacking empathy can led to superficial responses to personal or world crisis even when there is a violation of human rights.
SOCIAL EMPATHY AS A PATHWAY TO SOCIAL CHANGE
When we use our analytical, critical thinking skills with an understanding of context, we can begin to think about ways to take action that will improve social conditions locally and globally.
This is social empathy; this is social justice
PERSONAL CHOICES ACTIVITY
The many aspects of life include society, the environment, and the economy.
In this activity you are required to think about how one choice or decision to act or not act impacts other areas of life.
PERSONAL CHOICES ACTIVITY
You will be divided into small groups.
In this activity you will be given a two scenarios and you will have to research/talk about the impact of each choice on stakeholders
In this activity, these words represent what are known as the stakeholders.
PERSONAL CHOICES ACTIVITYStakeholders Definition
Stakeholders =
a person, group, organization, member or system who affects or can be affected by an individual or organization's actions.
Human Rights1. Conventional hot chocolate/fair trade hot chocolate2. Giving 10% of your allowance/hanging out at the
mallEnvironmental Preservation3. Hamburger vs. veggie burger4. Organic food vs. conventional food5. Biking vs. drivingAnimal Protection6. Buying a dog/adopting a dog from the shelter7. Leather soes/canvas or hemp shoes
PERSONAL CHOICES ACTIVITYOur Stakeholders
The Stakeholders =
family membersfriendspeer groupour communitythe environment
(including animals)people in other
parts of BC
people in other parts of Canada
people in other countries
the local economythe global economythe global society
PERSONAL CHOICES ACTIVITYInstructions
In your groups, think of a topic related to this course.
Once the topic has been selected, come up with a hypothetical or real situation that demonstrates the ways in which personal choices impact the stakeholders written on your cue card.
PERSONAL CHOICES ACTIVITYExample
For example, someone might say:
“Our stakeholders are family members, friends, the local economy, and the global economy. I know someone who tied herself to a giant red cedar on Vancouver Island. This choice impacted our stakeholders by …”
PERSONAL CHOICES ACTIVITYInstructions
Each of your groups is required to record your ideas using some form of graphic organizer (e.g. diagram, chart, drawing, graph).
Remember that . . .
PERSONAL CHOICES ACTIVITYRemember
1. All ideas need to be considered and that
2. Making connections between and among ideas is desirable
PERSONAL CHOICES ACTIVITYRemember
3. It is important to try to clarify cause and effect relationships as much as possible
4. Identifying spin-off effects to other stakeholders not indicated on the cue card is also encouraged
PERSONAL CHOICES ACTIVITYGroup Share
Present your groups ideas to the class.
As an entire class, discuss the impact personal choices have.
PERSONAL CHOICES ACTIVITYResponse/ Reflection
Quick write = write (individually) a paragraph response to each of the following questions:
1) How do personal choices impact others?
2) How can empathy make a difference in our world?
Make sure you thoroughly explain your thoughts/ provide details.
SELF-STRUCTURED ASSESSMENT
UP NEXT
SELF-STRUCTURED ASSESSMENT
Examining our own attitudes, behaviours, values, and beliefs
YOUR ATTITUDES, BEHAVIOURS, VALUES, + BELIEFS
The following (see handout) is a list of questions to examine your own attitudes, behaviours, values, and beliefs.
SELF-STRUCTURED ASSESSMENTThe Questions
What are my biases? How do they affect the way I see/view the world?
Where do my beliefs come from? (e.g. family, peers, school, religious teachings, media, experiences, etc.). To what degree are they unique to me?
SELF-STRUCTURED ASSESSMENTThe Questions
How do my personal experiences and circumstances (e.g. age, sex, sexual orientation, sexuality, gender identity, ethnicity, family, socioeconomic status) affect my perceptions?
What roles do culture and language play in my perceptions, understandings, values, and beliefs? How are my beliefs socially constructed?
SELF-STRUCTURED ASSESSMENTThe Questions
How do my ancestry and nationality affect my perceptions?
Am I privileged and entitled? In what ways? To what extent does this colour (influence/change) the way I relate to the world?
SELF-STRUCTURED ASSESSMENTThe Questions
Am I oppressed or marginalized? In what ways? To what extent does this colour (influence/change) the way I relate to the world?
How do I perpetuate or challenge the status quo?
What are my assumptions about how our society functions and should function? (e.g., competitive, collective . . .)
SELF-STRUCTURED ASSESSMENTThe Questions
How do I respond when someone disagrees with me? How do I treat others with beliefs and values different from my own?
To what extent do I understand the concept of social justice? What do I do to promote social justice ideals?
How willing am I to take personal risks in sharing my views about and advocating for social justice issues?
SELF-STRUCTURED ASSESSMENTThe Assignment
Create a written assignment (a short report) that answers ALL the self-assessment questions.
Your report must be a proper paragraph format = write the question out in its entirety and then answer below in a proper paragraph(s) on a separate sheet of paper typed or written.
THE END . . . SORT OFUP NEXT: THE DAILY CHANGES
