Sisyphean Times/June 2014 17
<< click to visit my social justice blog
How is my work connected to what we have learned in class? How did it help me to better understand these issues?
My work with the KYA strongly connected our Identity unit. Mental health, for a lot of people, is a large part of their identity. Those living with mental health issues do not have some of the privileges of those without. This is sometimes called "neurotypical privilege". (An extensive list of these privileges can be found on Square 8). It is much easier to understand these issues when you can speak to people who are affected by them, rather than just reading about them.
Has my work changed my thinking on any of these issues? How and why?
My attitude toward Remembrace Day changed when I investigated and wrote about war and conflict. While I still think the memorial day is important, I also think it should be about more than reflection - it should call attention to ongoing wars and conflict, and be a day to start discussion about how to address these issues.
My work on my social justice blog has not necessarily changed my opinion on any issues, but has provided a new level of understanding. As I investigated the issues of discrimination, stigma, hegemony, and others, I became more passionate about each one. Even issues heavily rooted in politics or economics - the problem of affluenza, for example - fascinated me. If anything, working on my journals has made me passionate about issues I was previously unaware of or indifferent to.
Will I continue to involve myself in social justice work / community volunteering? (Describe your plan/goals.)
I hope to maintain my presence on my social justice blog, and remain part of the KYA program. Additionally, I will be seeking opportunities during post-secondary to organize and participate in events related to social justice. Students in my
program (Communications Studies) have, in the past,
organized events surrounding violence
against women, and other social
justice issues.
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