Ohhh I needed to read this, thank you so much AJ. You've given words to something I've felt instinctively but not understood well enough to articulate. I'm reading and re-reading this passage in particular:
"If you experience justice sensitivity, you are not unwell or disordered, you are simply aware of the fact that the way the world currently operates is deeply, unnecessarily unfair. If we fall for the line that this is a ‘feature of neurodivergence’, we may be inclined to ‘manage it’ by focusing our attention on soothing our discomfort, because we believe the problem lies within us. This pathologisation of reasonable responses upholds the systems that harm us by directing energy on fixing ourselves instead of fixing our reality. If we can instead focus on listening to what our mindbodies are trying to tell us, we can channel that frustration, that distress, that rage into action for change."
I think this is a central issue I am having in my own growth, is that for years I have been told I had an overactive response to injustice, to the point where it consumes me, and I am a fighter, so I’ll always stand up and fight for a person being mistreated sometimes without thinking through how to make sure it’s received instead of simply burning bridges or being a “troublemaker”. But all that time I’ve been trying to fix MYSELF, like these things were wrong to do, so I felt broken at the same time. Everyone else seems fine with it – this is just the way the world is. It keeps turning, and people keep suffering, and I felt like I was being taught to figure out a way to be ok with that.
I think I almost broke myself apart trying to fit into that idea, it doesn’t sit right with me. I feel like the universe works in mysterious ways, because I needed to hear this. Where I am right now is that once I accept that yes, there is nothing wrong with me, and now I accept this, so I am going to move forward, its hard to not get overwhelmed with the tsunami of people who need help, ways to show up and fight injustice. Thank you for your post AJ, and for your comment Ettie, I feel less alone.
This is brilliant. Thank you for writing it. While I believe your point is true that - as a group - people who are marginalized are more likely to have a high level of justice sensitivity, my experience has been that this is true primarily regarding unfairness to self, and not necessarily the other two types. One thing that has constantly distressed me about participating in social justice actions and movements has been what I've perceived - even among dedicated activists - as a general disinterest in, and often minimization of and disregard for, forms of oppression that do not target them directly. In spite of intersectionality being oft discussed as a critical component of social justice, it seems that many - maybe even most - activists ignore it in favor of elevating their chosen cause(s) above others. This is not to say that I disagree with your point about the white supremacist perspective informing research on the topic - I believe you are spot on regarding that. I just mean to say that I am thankful for you and your writing, and greatly appreciate your emphasis on there being 3 equally important categories of "justice sensitivity." I feel a bit of relief just from reading such an eloquent explanation of a thing that has been a jumbled, unarticulated stressor in my mind for so long. Your writing gives me hope because you are so skilled at both clarifying very complicated topics and also offering practical self-work prompts. Thank you.
THIS. "I feel a bit of relief just from reading such an eloquent explanation of a thing that has been a jumbled, unarticulated stressor in my mind for so long." When its a mess, its so lonely, isolating, and like we can't make a difference, cause it's just us. But when AJ gives voice, in such a poetic and thoughtful way, it gathers us together, and we feel comfort in a shared experience. I am so grateful.
Another excellent piece that hits the proverbial nail on the head. I have to say, to be honest, that it still left me wanting more of your insights.
The following proved profound, despite being "obvious."
"Our reality has been shaped by those who, by necessity, do not give a sh*t about others, and do not give a sh*t about exploiting others for material gain. They do give a sh*t about themselves, but not about their true selves. They give a sh*t about their power and status and comfort, but not their growth, their humanity or their wholeness. They teach us to value these same things and to neglect our true selves and our true needs. "
This truly fits in with how we as people have been socialized by the Western norms of being self-centered, and not thinking about ourselfs as influencing and being influenced by others. In many ways, it builds upon your work on empathy and compassion.
Thank you, Francis. And yes, I felt connected to my piece on empathy and compassion while writing it. I am looking forward to exploring this space further. Thanks for reading!
Ohhh I needed to read this, thank you so much AJ. You've given words to something I've felt instinctively but not understood well enough to articulate. I'm reading and re-reading this passage in particular:
"If you experience justice sensitivity, you are not unwell or disordered, you are simply aware of the fact that the way the world currently operates is deeply, unnecessarily unfair. If we fall for the line that this is a ‘feature of neurodivergence’, we may be inclined to ‘manage it’ by focusing our attention on soothing our discomfort, because we believe the problem lies within us. This pathologisation of reasonable responses upholds the systems that harm us by directing energy on fixing ourselves instead of fixing our reality. If we can instead focus on listening to what our mindbodies are trying to tell us, we can channel that frustration, that distress, that rage into action for change."
You're welcome, Ettie. I love it when I find the language that describes my intuitive experience.
I think this is a central issue I am having in my own growth, is that for years I have been told I had an overactive response to injustice, to the point where it consumes me, and I am a fighter, so I’ll always stand up and fight for a person being mistreated sometimes without thinking through how to make sure it’s received instead of simply burning bridges or being a “troublemaker”. But all that time I’ve been trying to fix MYSELF, like these things were wrong to do, so I felt broken at the same time. Everyone else seems fine with it – this is just the way the world is. It keeps turning, and people keep suffering, and I felt like I was being taught to figure out a way to be ok with that.
I think I almost broke myself apart trying to fit into that idea, it doesn’t sit right with me. I feel like the universe works in mysterious ways, because I needed to hear this. Where I am right now is that once I accept that yes, there is nothing wrong with me, and now I accept this, so I am going to move forward, its hard to not get overwhelmed with the tsunami of people who need help, ways to show up and fight injustice. Thank you for your post AJ, and for your comment Ettie, I feel less alone.
Thank you for sharing this, Minessa. You are definitely not alone, and you are not broken.
This is brilliant. Thank you for writing it. While I believe your point is true that - as a group - people who are marginalized are more likely to have a high level of justice sensitivity, my experience has been that this is true primarily regarding unfairness to self, and not necessarily the other two types. One thing that has constantly distressed me about participating in social justice actions and movements has been what I've perceived - even among dedicated activists - as a general disinterest in, and often minimization of and disregard for, forms of oppression that do not target them directly. In spite of intersectionality being oft discussed as a critical component of social justice, it seems that many - maybe even most - activists ignore it in favor of elevating their chosen cause(s) above others. This is not to say that I disagree with your point about the white supremacist perspective informing research on the topic - I believe you are spot on regarding that. I just mean to say that I am thankful for you and your writing, and greatly appreciate your emphasis on there being 3 equally important categories of "justice sensitivity." I feel a bit of relief just from reading such an eloquent explanation of a thing that has been a jumbled, unarticulated stressor in my mind for so long. Your writing gives me hope because you are so skilled at both clarifying very complicated topics and also offering practical self-work prompts. Thank you.
Thanks for these thoughts, LC. I'm so happy that this has provided some relief and ease. You are welcome and I appreciate your shares.
THIS. "I feel a bit of relief just from reading such an eloquent explanation of a thing that has been a jumbled, unarticulated stressor in my mind for so long." When its a mess, its so lonely, isolating, and like we can't make a difference, cause it's just us. But when AJ gives voice, in such a poetic and thoughtful way, it gathers us together, and we feel comfort in a shared experience. I am so grateful.
Another excellent piece that hits the proverbial nail on the head. I have to say, to be honest, that it still left me wanting more of your insights.
The following proved profound, despite being "obvious."
"Our reality has been shaped by those who, by necessity, do not give a sh*t about others, and do not give a sh*t about exploiting others for material gain. They do give a sh*t about themselves, but not about their true selves. They give a sh*t about their power and status and comfort, but not their growth, their humanity or their wholeness. They teach us to value these same things and to neglect our true selves and our true needs. "
This truly fits in with how we as people have been socialized by the Western norms of being self-centered, and not thinking about ourselfs as influencing and being influenced by others. In many ways, it builds upon your work on empathy and compassion.
Thank you and keep doing what you are doing.
Thank you, Francis. And yes, I felt connected to my piece on empathy and compassion while writing it. I am looking forward to exploring this space further. Thanks for reading!
Thank you! I enjoyed & grew from this 🏵️
You're welcome!