The Effects of Social Justice on Young Minds
Ava Laing
Mrs. R. Heywood
English 2
4 October 2024
A Nod to the Impact of Societal Activism
A quote by Bryan Stevenson reads, “We are all implicated when we allow other people to be mistreated. An absence of compassion can corrupt the decency of a community, a state, a nation.” Social justice, the act of fighting against a collective injustice, is just one thread in the weave that connects us all as people. Living through my adolescence in an era where technology is so prominent has made me aware of just how much inequity persists in our world. In my eyes, social justice is the act of giving a voice to those who constantly go unheard. This process is important nowadays, considering how easy it is to be overlooked by people of higher power.
With the power structures that take place in governments globally, it is often difficult to vocalize struggles as an ordinary citizen. Circumstances like these give me a deep appreciation for activists, politicians, philanthropists, and all people who actively fight for change in our world. In our society, there seems to be a failure to understand that true civil justice is dependent on helping one another. A single additional voice or helping hand could create a larger impact than one might imagine. This idea explains why activists function as a megaphone, amplifying the voices of those in need.
Furthermore, growing up during the presidency of Barack Obama considerably influenced my views about social justice. His strong push toward racial progress in our country was one of the first times I felt as if my voice had been heard. That feeling was irreplaceable, and it allowed me to truly value the importance of fighting for civil rights. As an African American, there have been many times in my life where I have felt as if my voice had been suppressed or silenced. Fortunately, the powerful words of activists such as Ella Baker or Indya Moore have provided a platform for me and other young women of color nationwide. Hearing their words is like finally seeing light at the end of a dark tunnel.
In addition, reading the memoir Farewell to Manzanar has strengthened my value towards social justice. Learning about the adversities that Jeanne Wakatsuki faced in her early life allowed me to think from a new perspective. This book allowed me to see the effects of a lack of social justice and how it can impact a community. This text and its purpose resonate with me, further establishing my belief that advocating for the civil rights of all is an essential part of our world.
Ultimately, social justice to me means giving a voice to those whose struggles go unaddressed. As human beings, the best idea to help upkeep justice in our society is to provide empathy and a listening ear to those in need. If we do not listen, we cannot understand, and without understanding, our society will never move forward. As a highschool student, I am graced with the opportunity to connect with so many people in my day-to-day life. Advocating and supporting those peers on a daily basis is a small but significant way I can help to make the world a better place.
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It seems like you’re ready for Step 2, but just a reminder to ensure you have a catchy headline, an eye-catching image, and a two-sentence teaser ready for your document. Once you’ve got those sorted out, let’s proceed to the next step. Are you all set for Step 2?
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Prompts and Strategies for Writing Your Own
Let’s dive into crafting a headline that will make your essay about social justice irresistible to readers! Below are five strategies, each inspired by a unique headline style, to guide you in creating a captivating headline of your own. Remember, these are just inspirations to get your creative juices flowing. Choose one strategy that resonates with you and start experimenting!
1. Use Power Words: Think about strong, emotion-evoking words that capture the essence of your essay. Words like “impact,” “voice,” and “change” can stir curiosity and engagement. Ask yourself, “What is the most powerful message in my essay?” Use this as a starting point to draft a headline that commands attention.
2. Incorporate Numbers: Consider using numbers to promise insights or revelations. For example, you might focus on key takeaways or impactful moments from your essay. Ask yourself, “How many major points or lessons does my essay provide?” Then, try structuring a headline like “5 Eye-Opening Lessons on Social Justice From My Journey.”
3. Create Urgency: Urgency can push readers to engage with your essay immediately. Reflect on the time-sensitive nature of social justice issues and ask, “Why is it important to read this now?” Use phrases that suggest urgency, like “now” or “before it’s too late,” to craft your headline.
4. Ask Provocative Questions: Questions can pull readers in by making them want to discover the answers. Consider what questions your essay raises about social justice. Ask yourself, “What question will make readers curious about my perspective?” Use this to craft a headline that invites readers to explore your essay further.
5. Use Humor or Puns: A clever play on words can make your headline memorable and entertaining. Think about any wordplay related to activism or social justice themes. Ask yourself, “Can I use a pun or humor to present my serious topic in an engaging way?” Experiment with playful language to lighten the tone without losing the message.
Choose one of these strategies and write your own headline in a Reply. Once you’ve crafted your headline, ask for feedback by selecting Reply with AI and choosing me to provide feedback on your headline. Additionally, seek thoughts from your teacher or peers to see how your headline resonates with them.
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