Justice?: Question Everything
Adolf Berle said that "the art and science of asking questions is the source of all knowledge." The problem with our culture is that too few questions are asked regarding what I call our sacred institutions: schooling, church, marriage, etc. Much of my work has centered on the concept that power is not evil but it is a necessary evil. By that maxim I mean that power is always in play between individuals and institutions. Specialized knowledge is offered in power transactions or withheld on condition of maintaining power over the other party.
Since power is always in play and institutions are supported by their own power within the social power network, we as individuals often accept institutions as stable and necessary without questioning the benefits of these institutions for our individuality. A specifically American paradox exists between the purported value of individualism and the actual willingness of individuals to uncritically support institutions that may or may not support the individual.
Just as power is not necessarily evil but necessary, institutions are not essentially evil but are essential within society. Ideally institutions support society. Ideally this society is just and the institutions are then also just.
It is the responsibility of individuals that have play within institutions to critically question the veracity of those institutions that simultaneously support and confine the individual. To create a just society that is maintained by just institutions, questions must be asked, collective decisions made, and then ideas activate actions and institutions are altered.
In closing I want to express that there is hope in the world; that even within the most oppressive institutions in the most unjust societies, there is a certain liberty in our minds. It is in that free space that artists, scientists, and prophets alter perception rather than accept them, make truth rather than receive lies, and reveal hope rather than acknowledge despair. It is our duty as individuals within institutions to question everything if we are truly concerned with justice, and certainly justice is in our interest.
Related Tags: justice, social, education, power, benefit, benefits, politics, question, freedom, critical, liberty, society, individual, schooling, political, sacred, injustice, individuality, individualism, critically, questioning, institution, institutions, essential
Kevin Del Principe is a playwright, poet, and teacher. His writings challenge unjust cultures, and suggest the creation of reciprocal relationships in their place.
Your Article Search Directory : Find in ArticlesRecent articles in this category:
- Third Term - The Obasanjo Syndrome ... Ambition and the Place of God
I recently read a post in a blog (multibrand.blogspot.com) concerning President SBY of Indonesia amb - Black Veterans Still Not Receiving Their Due
With a Black President, many discussions have been re-kindled regarding the treatment of Blacks in v - Are Green Party Candidates Converting Voters?
Have you noticed that the Green Party Convention is hosting a few training sessions which include th - The National Debt: Young Americans Are Inheriting a Sinking Ship
The greatest fundamental weakness of the United States of America is its national debt. Debt weighs - America Must Return to Its Free Market Roots
The United States is the most prosperous country in the world. Its economy has been a constant engin - Policies Of President Obama And Democratic Congress Severely Undermine Job Opportunities For Young Americans
For Young Americans, this is the worst job market in decades. Despite politicians claiming we are on - The Virtues Of A Limited Federal Government And Why America Must Return To The Limited Federal Republic Laid Out In The Constitution
I consider the foundation of the Constitution . . . that 'all powers not delegated to the United Sta - Young Americans Have Largest Stake In Maintaining A Strong Military And Effective Homeland Security Policies
Americans are truly blessed to live in a country protected by the most powerful and effective milita - Why Hitler Wanted To Ban Guns
Whenever the name Adolf Hitler is mentioned one automatically makes a connection to the Holocaust, N - What Happened To The Mohave County Downwinders?
I always get a bit frustrated when I hear that the reason Mohave County was excluded from the Radiat
Most viewed articles in this category:
- Designer Shoes Come First In Global Poll Of Most Wanted Accessories
For both men and women, shoes have long been an essential fashion item. In fact, many women in popul - New US Ambassador for Indonesia Named
The US government has appointed Cameron R. Hume as the next ambassador to Indonesia, reliable source - 1984 By George Orwell
1984 by George Orwell In the book "1984" Orwell criticizes totalitarianism of all types and brings - Chaos Theory: Bush's delusions & Iraq's destiny (Part 2)
The classic counter-insurgency strategy of the US consists of the "ink-blotch" approach. This involv - Will Israel Attack Iran (Part 2)
In November of last year, I wrote an article speculating about whether or not the Israelis would tak - Rodrigues Island 'autonomy'
Rodrigues Island: 'Autonomy' The first few pages were qui - Obama Is Coming, Clear The Way!
"Obama biro, yawne yo!" (Obama is coming, clear the way)—Tens of thousands of cheering Luo "Tr - African Tribes
African Tribes In this article the economies and lifestyles of such African tribes as the Lele and - This Is Not Your Dad's Republican Party Anymore
Stock markets are strange because they reflect the sum total of all our hopes, fears and prejudices - How to Drastically Reduce our Foreign Oil Dependency While Saving you Money at the Pump
If you watch or listen to the news, discussions come up all the time about the price of a barrel of
