The Fight for Equality
According to YMCA Alabama in 2009, in the U.S., 35 percent of Black children and 32 percent of Hispanic children lived below the poverty level, while for White children, it was only 17 percent. Not only in the U.S. but also across the world, there are discrepancies among race categories. This statistic not only acknowledges the race disparities today but also highlights a much broader issue in society: social injustice. To me, social justice is when everyone is treated equally and fairly. However, the various forms of inequality in today's society often challenge this idea. Through observing my surroundings and my experience in literary works, I recognize that the impact of social injustice is still prevalent.
Social injustice is deeply embedded within the social classes. While a small percentage of people hold vast amounts of wealth, many people are living in poor conditions. This was especially apparent on my visit to Vietnam, where we visited several major cities, including Saigon, Hanoi, and Binh Dinh. While exploring Vietnam’s rich and diverse wildlife, landmarks, and unique urban life, I was struck by the stark wealth disparities. Away from the major cities, there were flimsy, poorly built houses constructed with metal sheets. Some houses did not even have walls. These poor living conditions highlight the major economic gaps in society, and these social injustices made me realize the many things I take for granted such as better housing. These moments deepened my awareness of the economic divide in society and the impact social injustice has on the world.
Social injustice is also prevalent in today's education, especially in the growing use of technology. This sudden change in technological advancements has contributed to a new and complex phenomenon, the digital divide, which refers to the unequal access to digital information between communities. Even with the internet so widespread, there are still those who lack internet access. The article “Connecting the Unconnected” comments on this issue, stating that “some students lack access to the devices and infrastructure necessary to interact with digital educational resources. As a result, they can struggle to complete homework and fall farther behind in school than their digitally enabled counterparts.” Without the internet, these people are missing out on the educational tools and resources crucial towards one’s education. Furthermore, these people, who lack the digital skills necessary, may struggle to compete in the job market. This emphasized the differences between educational opportunities among communities. Overall, the lack of available opportunities highlights the educational disparities in society and the profound effect of social injustice.
Social injustice themes also appear in literature. In particular, the author, Elizabeth Acevedo, does a great job of expressing social justice through her literary works. The Poet X, one of her most famous works, is a book composed of poems, exploring the themes of racism, sexism, religion, and more. While the poems can be short and brief, they still explore a deep, rich understanding of the effects of social injustice. The main character, Xiomara, struggles with social injustice in the book, especially with her mother. Xiomara expresses her feelings, saying that “[her brother] never has to do half the cleaning [she does] but is better liked by [her mother]” (Acevedo 42). Her mother's favoritism towards Xiomara’s brother despite Xiomara working harder touches on the gender biases placed on Xiomara. This social injustice extends beyond household chores, impacting her school and love life. The author's use of gender norms not only presents a conflict for Xiomara but also underscores the gender biases that have been embedded in society, affecting the way children grow and develop a sense of identity. Altogether, literature helps us understand the many social injustices a person might face, and it shows us how to apply this awareness in the real world.
Overall, social injustice is still an ongoing issue in society. Whether it is in the form of wealth gaps, racism, or sexism, the social injustices they present all highlight the need to address these issues. Even when the effects are so widespread, I still believe in the power of language and awareness, which can hopefully inspire others to take action and resist the effects of social injustice. By addressing and acknowledging these issues, we can hope to minimize its impact on society.
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I think that this is common in households with two or more kids. The law prohibits more than one wife because you will favor one more than the other. This also applies to children, but there is no law prohibiting more than one child. We all know that prohibiting more than one child created a huge problem back in China.
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I agree because I believe that people should start to actually realize what is happening in our world. People in our society now don’t realize what they are doing until it becomes a real problem that rises.
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