Viewpoint by Alex Bihm/computer/design assistant
“Social justice” is an idea that has been spreading like wildfire among social networking sites such as Tumblr and Reddit. In this context, it has nothing to do with philosophy or politics, and it scarcely has anything to do with sociology.
The Internet’s brand of social justice includes, but is not limited to, entitlement, self-indulgent whining, hate-filled rants, uninformed opinions and hypocrisy. But really, the alleged main ideas of social justice are to promote education, tolerance, inclusion and equality in the social realm. Racism, human rights and feminism are a few hot topics of the social justice movement.
It seems harmless enough, in theory.
Online, it quickly has turned into a massive cluster of self-righteous know-it-alls who aim to reprimand/”teach” the world with militant zeal.
The concepts of social justice can appeal to a wide range of people. The very nature of social justice (or at least the Internet’s misinterpretation of it) is that it exists to empower the oppressed. This goal draws in many types of people who most likely have good intentions. The problem is that these people with good intentions soon turn into ruthless oppressors themselves.
Those who march under the “social justice” banner are often seen ostracizing, shaming, spamming and threatening individuals seen as “insensitive.” They are especially vigilant about homophobia or racist remarks made by Internet users.
When social justice warriors engage an “offensive” or “insensitive” individual, it isn’t just two parties who disagree. There is no civilized debate. In the name of social justice, droves of people, sometimes numbering in the hundreds or thousands, will join in against the offending party.
These alleged advocates for equality turn into something resembling an Internet lynch mob at the slightest hint of a differing opinion. Unfortunately, the loudest advocates are not always correct.
Perhaps the most heinous act committed in the name of this corrupted social justice is the shaming of “privileged” people. Social justice warriors patronize, insult and judge individuals whom they view as privileged (in terms of race, sexual orientation, abilities and/or class). Many times on Reddit and Tumblr, I have seen unsuspecting users and public figures fall victim to the critical attacks by social justice advocates for the most ridiculous reasons.
For example, the rapper Mackelmore has been vilified for advocating racial tolerance and gay rights. Mackelmore’s stance, according to social justice warriors, is invalid and offensive because he was deemed as “privileged.”
On top of being incredibly hypocritical that a so-called tolerance advocate would publicly demonize individuals based on their race, sexual orientation, abilities and class, it is also not changing any hearts or minds. If there needs to be change or advocacy, then this is not the way to inspire it.
This brand of social justice is not a revolution. It’s not a protest. Nor is it a real movement. It is simply unchecked hate and aggression fueled by an overzealous Internet mob.
