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The big question: So what?
Why do we care about social justice, and how does this impact our communities?
What Philosophers have to say
Many notable philosophers publish works about the emotional and social political impacts of racism and sexism in their lives, and the lives of those within our communities. Below are some perspectives offered by philosophers Audre Lorde, Meena Krishnamurthy, and Nancy Tuana.
Author Audrey Lorde provides philosophical insight on the emotion of anger as it relates to how it is felt by women of color. Lorde helps us understand the anger women of color feel about their systemic sexism and oppression, why that anger is justified and how sexism and racism effect black women’s lives. Lord provides a different approach to the subject of anger outside of the typical trope of viewing women of color as having "an attitude" or being hot headed. There is an opportunity within Lord's writing for empathy and understanding of the root of this constant anger women of color feel, and an opportunity to accept anger at face value.
Dr. Krishnamurthy outlines the feeling distrust people of color have toward whites by exemplifying Dr. Martin Luther King's treatment of whites in power during the Birmingham protests. Rather than acting on his emotions of distrust, Dr. King used this distrust to his advantage to gauge his political opposers to bring about justice and motivate the oppressed. Krishnamurthy highlights that people of color have a consistent distrust of institutions of every kind, including the American government and community churches. And although Dr. King was able to use this distrust as a weapon to wield in the civil rights movements, this mistrust that people of color carry toward white people and institutions is something that gives us cause for examination and potential change.
Nancy Tuana outlines the different types of ignorance we as a society apply to minorities and people of color. Tuana illuminates women’s health issues, racism, sexual abuse in children, especially young girls, and other disservices and oppressive acts done upon these marginalized groups. In so doing, she highlights ignorance by society as a whole that is either ignored, willfully or not, ignorance that goes unrecognized, ignorance that is facilitated by institutions, and ignorance we simply accept. By providing specific examples of this ignorance, Tuana helps us understand some of the direct effects these acts of society have on minorities and women, and enlighten us to these prevalent issues. Tuana provides opportunity for us to internally reflect on the part we may play in these acts of ignorance, and a chance to break the cycle.
What does it all mean?
As a whole, these philosophical texts provide clarity and insight into the emotions of those who are victims of racism and sexism, and some ways that those emotions are processed and utilized. Lorde encourages us to simply allow anger to be present, without expecting that anger to be channeled into something, either negative or positive. Meana Krishnamurthy encourages the use of mistrust as a tool to use against our enemies while refraining from lashing out. Nancy Tuana allows us a rare opportunity to examine our own ignorance, and understand that there are consequences to not knowing, or pretending we don't know.
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These philosophers all give insight on different concepts, as well as different emotional approaches of those victimized by these acts of oppression. The commonality in all of these writings shows us that what we may perceive as inaction is still an action. Simply being angry is still an action, as is peacefully protesting like Dr. King. Likewise, being ignorant of something, and taking no action, still causes an action to occur.
Looking at the bigger picture, we must accept that simply coping with these emotions does not stop the problems from persisting. The struggles and suffering of those who experience racism are very real, and still present today. People of color still do not trust institutions, they are still angry, 1 in 4 women are still sexually assaulted in their lives. These philosophers seek to define and explain in the hopes that the information can be used to address these issues, and enact some kind of change. Knowledge is power, and Audre Lorde, Meena Krishnamurthy, and Nancy Tuana seek to arm us with this power so we can amplify the voices of those who cannot speak loud enough, and listen to those whose words fall on deaf ears.
Justice advocacy is something that is required of all of us, because inaction on these issues is still an action. And that inaction has caused millions of people to be negatively impacted. We all have a responsibility to be informed, to understand these issues and actively speak out against racism and sexism. Staying silent is being complicit, and we can never overcome what we choose to ignore.