Reflection

Charles Quist-Adade a professor at Kwantlen Polytechnic University teaches a second year sociology course focusing on many aspects of the subject. While attending this class I have learned a lot of new information, which usually, is not visible at the surface level. Social injustice is a core concept that stood out above all others.

                Many communities over the world have begun to change and stand up against social injustice. Any given time of the day we see news reports of riots and protests overseas to bring a halt to corrupt, oppressive and unfair leaders. Warfare has broken out and people are trying to make a change in government as they feel they have been treated unfairly. This course shows a perspective from both sides of these issues.

                Social injustice as defined by Quist-Adade, “the presence or promotion of unfairness, inequity, and/or marginalization in society. Social injustice manifests itself in practices such as discrimination in all forms, oppression, and other practices.” A great example of this is capitalists, those who are part of a high social economic status and own and control large amounts of property with the power to manipulate legislation to their advantage. This issue relates to many parts of the world.

                Capitalists will outsource their labor to third-world countries for greater profits. The outsourced labor is usually in forms of sweatshops with minimal management and almost nothing in the place for safety and well being of the workers.

                Overall this course takes a look into many important aspects of the world today that we can relate to in the media every day. One person who continuously makes a contribution for a better world may not influence millions, however, can make a large impact in their own society. For example, the fundraiser we are doing in groups is a very interesting aspect of the course.

                The class was divided into groups of five and asked for raise money for a charity of their choice, which I found is a great way for people to help give back to a community in need. By participating in this assignment I came to realize how difficult it is to raise money. I always assumed people were willing to give if asked, however, I have noticed different. Among my friends I have noticed a trend of people just ignoring request to donate until they are educated on the issue at hand. That’s why I think it is important to raise awareness to the issues we are seeing around the world. Working closely with people in class is an interesting and fun way for people to come together for a good cause.

                I enjoyed this course and defiantly take a class with Quist-Adade in the future. Quist-Adade has presented great videos and articles for the class to review and there is great interaction among the classroom with breakout rooms where we discuss a different matter of each day. I think trying to achieve social justice is an important task at the hands of every individual and should not be overlooked. 

Blog #7: The Cell Phone Paradox; Paraphristic

80% of Colton, which is used to make small electronics, is found in Congo. The individuals who are working to obtain this material are paid little per day to risk their lives. The job requires these individuals to crawl into small caves where oxygen is restricted forcing them to suffocate and die. Protective equipment and training is not provided and they are left with only a small flashlight as they struggle to retrieve content for which profits are massive. Simply put, this is modern day slavery and it is evident that nothing is being done to stop it. The reason I chose this video is the same reason I took this class to get a different perspective on the world that we live in today and how it has become a profit driven industrialized place. It saddens me to see that this still occurs every day around the world, ironically as I type this from my laptop.

Blog #6: Video Review

This semester we watched a video that Charles Quist Adade made about him working in fields as a kid in Ghana. During this experience Charles planted cocoa beans, which are used in different parts of the world to make chocolate. This idea of a global village is intriguing and demonstrates that all people are connected.

                The world is divided by government agencies and classes, however, people need to consider what they do may affect people in other parts of the world. For example, big corporations using different parts of the world for labor. Majority of the items I own are made in third world countries for a fraction of the cost for what I pay for them. People are continuously using one another to produce or gain different things.

                This type of thinking really helps me think of everyone on one playing field at the same level. If all the classes, power, and money is taken away we are all humans trying to make a difference and move through our lives.  

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Blog entry #5: Chapter 3, Human Trafficking, Issues in social justice by Tridico

What is the problem?  Too much is going undetected and enough is not being done to help. Human trafficking isn’t an issue that is much publicized in the media, therefore, is an issue that is not fully understood by many individuals. Millions of dollars are made each year off of humans trafficked by various organizations.

                With promises for a better life people are brought into the western world, however, are used for various purposes. It is very disappointing to see individuals left with no choice and forced into labor or sex crime rings, just to name a few. Domestic labor consists of, however, is not limited to “cleaning, cooking, taking care of the outside of home, and taking care of kids.” Furthermore, prostitution “entails forced and un willing selling of one’s body for the purpose of sexual acts, or any physical activity.”

                This style of life should not be forced on anyone and that fact that it occurs in Canada is shocking to many individuals. I think if more awareness was raised on this topic it could forced law makers to change legislation. With changes in our legal system we could see help being brought to many individuals. 

Blog Entry #4: Class Lab

During one of the classes this semester we were visited from a power, educated, woman by the name of Chimanada Adichie. Adichie opened up to the class about her experiences and personal stories while growing up in Africa. This story really showed a powerful, motivating story about an individual who had overcome difficult circumstances to become successful in her life. Without losing her roots and still providing for her family back home, Adichie has acquired many academic credentials. Adichie expressed, hearing a single side of a story is problematic and we should always hear what every party has to say. I thought this was a very important message and a lesson to be learned by many.  

Blog entry #3: Chapter 2, “Issues in Social Justice,” by Frank Tridico

“A bar frequented by homosexuals, was raided by police officers. This raid was not an unusual occurrence as during this time in history; establishments that welcomed homosexuals were often investigated or raided. What as unusual on this night was that the patrons of the Stonewall resisted with spontaneous and violent demonstrations, forcing the police officers to essentially surrender their raid (Tridaco, pg.27).”

This piece is an important and key portion of the chapter as it demonstrates the struggle of homosexuals against society’s beliefs. There is stigma attached to the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community which is a clear example in this passage. In addition, this illustrates the stigma that is attached to LGBT community by the rest of society.

This chapter begins by demonstrating some of the oppression that is felt by the LGBT community by addressing issues in sexuality and identity. Gender is something that is constructed by society; for example, males are expected to be without feelings, strong and independent, whereas females are expected to be strongly attached to feeling and weaker. However, gender may just develop by the child’s upbringing and does not always meet the “society standard.” Therefore, LGBT may face hate crimes for their sexual orientation, although, crime reports may be low due to lack of self reporting.

We tend to see discrimination throughout the world for LGBT communities, however, more extreme cases in the Middle Eastern countries. Attempts to try and marginalize these groups are evident in the media today when it comes to employment or even housing. However, as the opening passage states if the LGBT community attempts to stand up and raise awareness with the help they can accomplish to break down barriers, as we see evident in the Western World.

Blog Entry # 2: “Stealing Nature’s Harvest” by Vandana Shiva

           In the article, “Stealing Nature’s Harvest,” by Vandana Shiva, the author discusses the impact major corporations have, on developing countries, while they strive to reduce cost and increase profit. World Trade Organization’s (WTO) are attempting to genetically modify corps, such as rice, in countries like India. Therefore, they can create a patent on the product and “own” a particular grain. Furthermore, the WTO impedes on culturally beliefs and practices in the countries they evade, not respecting the norms that have been in place for centuries. I feel that corporations go to great extents to gain profit and many of their tactics are dirty and often attempted to be hidden. An issue was brought forward in this article about farmers, whom were forced to kill themselves in order liquidate assets to pay back debts, which were forced on them with promise of profit. This situation was inexcusable and inhumane CEOs should’ve been tried before a court and criminally charged.  The open letter from Indian farmers to the corporate heads was one of great significance, individuals getting together in an equal effort to rise against the challenges that were being put before them. In this letter, the farmers threatened to burn down the crops if the corporations continued their selfish efforts to own land which belongs to everyone. Corporations should not allowed to put a patent on life forms, as mentioned, “the plants, animals, and microorganisms compromising life on earth are part of the natural world we are all born. The conversion of these species, their molecules or parts into corporate property through patent monopolies is counter to the interests of the people of this country and the world.”