Dharma & Forms of Justice - Hindu and Jewish Perspectives

Описание: Exploring Nuances in Society: Conversations on Justice Activism

In a thought-provoking exchange, Dr. Jenna Murray and Dr. Indira Vishwanath engage in a conversation that delves into the intricate connections between justice activism, faith-based activism, and nuanced conversations in education. From reflections on the punitive nature of justice to the challenges of implementing restorative practices, the discussion offers a nuanced exploration of societal dynamics.

Understanding Justice Activism Beyond Punishment:
The conversation kicks off with Dr. Murray reflecting on the prevalent notion that justice is often tied to retribution, a perspective deeply ingrained in both New York and Ohio, where she has lived. The idea that transgression demands punishment is a belief deeply rooted in certain communities, often influenced by conservative Christian values. The discussion opens up a critical examination of why certain individuals or communities are disproportionately subjected to justice activism.

Faith-Based Activism and Transformative Approaches:
Both Dr. Murray and Dr. Vishwanath have been involved in faith-based activism, attempting to bring about change at the state level. Efforts to ban the death penalty in Ohio and shift from imprisoning individuals for drug crimes to community-based reconciliation have faced challenges. Dr. Murray highlights the struggle to challenge the status quo, especially in conservative Christian environments, where transgression is seen as necessitating retribution and judgment.

Challenging Disenfranchisement and Finding Hope:
Dr. Vishwanath expresses optimism grounded in the growing sense of disenfranchisement experienced by individuals from both extremes—left and right. The middle ground, often overshadowed by extreme voices, becomes a space for nuanced conversations. Dr. Vishwanath emphasizes the importance of calling people into conversations rather than calling them out. She finds hope in the younger generation, citing their ability to engage in nuanced discussions with clarity and compassion.

Questioning Racial Injustice and Historical Narratives:
The conversation touches on the complexities of racial injustice, with Dr. Murray highlighting the disparities in punishment for the same crime based on factors like race and socio-economic status. Dr. Vishwanath adds that racialization often stems from a historical imposition of race onto the rest of the world by white supremacists. This sheds light on the need to critically examine historical narratives and question ingrained biases.

The Role of Schools in Shaping Discourse:
Moving on to education, the discussion addresses misconceptions about what is being taught in schools today, particularly regarding public shaming and demonization. Dr. Murray, drawing from her experience as a high school English teacher, notes that elements of public shaming and demonization have long been present in the curriculum, challenging the perception that these are recent additions.

Shaping Reasonable Public Discourse:
Dr. Vishwanath points out the tendency to project societal issues onto schools, expecting them to solve complex problems with limited resources. She emphasizes the need for more reasonable public discourse, suggesting a shift towards respectful and nuanced conversations. Drawing from diverse cultural traditions, she advocates for adopting a more collaborative approach to debate, where understanding precedes disagreement.

Conclusion: Fostering Nuanced Conversations in Education for Change:
The conversation concludes with a call for fostering more nuanced discussions, especially in educational settings. Both speakers highlighted the importance of modeling respectful dialogue and creating spaces where diverse perspectives can be heard. The path to societal change, it seems, lies in embracing the complexities, engaging in critical self-reflection, and actively working toward understanding and reconciliation.

The popular debate about social justice often reduces and polarizes the idea of "social justice" as being either extremely positive or extremely negative.

What often gets silenced or ignored in the process are the range of constructive critiques about social justice, as well as frameworks of duty, right action, and justice embodied by the mature Dharma traditions.

In this Webinar, you will hear thoughtful insights about social justice from Jewish American and Hindu American teacher education scholars.

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