Week 6
10/19/12
Thinking back over the past week-what would you say were three most informative and useful things you learned this week from the reading... and how do you see them informing your practice today?
The first thing I found to be informative was the Social Justice: Good People video. It was very thought-provoking and fascinating. The song that was playing in the video was also interesting and I watched the video a second time so I could understand the lyrics a little better. I sometimes have the same thought, “Where did all the good people go?” When you turn on the TV, all you see are the ridiculous shows, and I think how and why is that show still airing and making money. Especially when there are so many people that could use that money. I know that that’s not how it works but it is still sad to see. There are people dying everyday, and it seems like nothing can stop it. I teared up at the end of the video, seeing those kids. Poverty is not just in this country, but everywhere we go. Good people are dying everyday because of war and diseases. We all know something needs to be done, but no one has yet to come up with a solution that has worked thus far. Another thing I found interesting was the article in Social Work Today, “The Top 5 Social Justice Issues Facing Social Workers Today.” It was very insightful. The five issues we face are Celebrating Diversity, Child Welfare, Healthcare Reform, Resources, Poverty and Economic Injustice. All of these are very important and should be addressed. After reading this article, I truly believe that the priorities of this country are very messed up. Putting elephants before children is unheard of, but yet it happens. I just wonder when the world will function again where it puts the need of humans above everything else. The last thing I found to be useful was the “What is Justice? What is Social Justice?” video. I do believe that Justice is fairness and it includes the distribution of wealth or power and also of other social goods such as education, work, free time, love, and honor. Overall, this will help in social work practice because it helps me see that others are questioning the same things I am questioning. It also helps in reminding me that as social workers, we need to be fair, caring, and get our priorities straight.