My conceptual understanding of social justice remained stagnant for the majority of the

program. I defined social justice loosely as the idea that everyone should have equal access to
opportunities. But I never challenged myself to develop a deeper comprehension. I was content
to donate to charities and volunteer at events because it was to support a good cause. However,
rarely did I take the time to examine how these actions related and supported the theme of social
justice. Unfortunately, the good deeds remained just another item to check off a to-do list and I
was very far removed from how my actions truly worked to promote social justice.
However, this changed due to the readings and discussions that took place during our
social justice class. They forced me to scratch beneath the surface and helped facilitate a more
mature understanding. Instead of just viewing donations and volunteering as the only means to
actively participate in social justice, I began to see that opportunities to support social justice
exist all around us. The action doesnt have to be formal, and it doesnt have to be grand, it just
has to help enable equal access to civil liberties, human rights, and opportunities for healthy and
fulfilling lives. Furthermore, to truly promote social justice, one needs to understand the ways in
which a particular group believes they do, or do not have equal access.
For this reason, one particularly meaningful contribution I have made to social justice
while in this program is a donation to the National Association to Advance Fat Acceptance.
Unfortunately, overweight and obese individuals continue to be oppressed and discriminated
against in our society. This unequal treatment is also prevalent when these individuals try to
access healthcare. For example, in a recent self-selecting survey, 54% of 1,096 participating
doctors believed that the NHS should be allowed to refuse non-emergency treatments to patients
unless they lose weight (Campbell, 2012). Beliefs such as these deny basic human rights to
individuals solely on the amount of adipose tissue they possess.

I am one of these individuals; therefore I have a vested interest in promoting the fair and
equal treatment of the overweight and obese. A vested interest is a valuable asset when
promoting the social justice of a group. This has led me to believe that the best way to promote
social justice is to provide the tools and resources required for individuals and groups to
advocate for themselves. Therefore, education continues to be one of the most effective ways to
combat oppression and promote social justice.

References
Campbell, D. (2012, April 28). Doctors back denial of treatment for smokers and the obese. The
Guardian. Retrieved from http://www.theguardian.com/society/2012/apr/28/doctorstreatment-denial-smokers-obese#comment-15872846