Proclaiming that this will be an experience to remember:)!
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Here we go! Post number 1:)!! Social Justice
First off I'll just start with a simple WOW. With being a social work major of course you will read a countless number of articles pertaining to the needs of others and what can be done to help them, but when the help seems to be desperately needed within the social work system, what do we do? When did the Aide's become the ones that needed the assistance the most?
Assuming that we all read the article "Social Justice and Social Work", I'm not going to summarize it. Hopefully I can explain my thoughts well enough for everyone to understand my views. Reading Pelton's article on Social Justice was extremely eye opening for me. Call me oblivious, but I for one never thought that the practice of social work could in some ways be considered unjust because of the way that it is conducted (of course until Pelton so blatantly put it out there). The most definitive part of practicing social work is the idea of nondiscrimination, in all aspects, but for the better part of this article Pelton argues that what we are practicing today is the epitome of we are trying not to be, discriminatory. It's the idea that we have taken discrimination to a level of what kind is acceptable and what kind isn't(p.433)which in no shape or form should be the way that social workers operate.
Drifting somewhat off topic (note: that will happen quite often)I remember a film entitled Claudine that somewhat shows a slight form of social workers discrimination and adds too Pelton's ideas about what happens within the families that receives welfare. If you don't want to watch the clip it basically entails a social worker coming in and evaluating what items Claudine has that are basically too valuable for someone receiving welfare. In the clip it shows her children running around hiding items that the welfare system wouldn't approve of, and the social worker questioning every "extra" item in the household (just thought that this was an interesting clip).
I guess I'm done rambling, but this topic is definitely one that should be addressed more seriously. It deserves more than a couple articles and blog posts. People need to hear about the lack of "just" in the social work community.
I never thought being a social worker could be so complex until reading this article.The reality of this topic is that many programs/companies do have a standard of who and what is acceptable.Which makes it hard for many people, who do seek help, receive benefits. I concur that this topic should be addressed more seriously and often.
I completely agree with you, I never saw this light of social work before but completely glad we have come across it now. Being knowledgeable of such aspects of social work are bound to help us become better social workers out in the field. I thought your video clip fit adequately to the topic at hand =) very much enjoyed! Thanks!
Symone, You definitely hit the nail on the head! When the Social Work profession is on them chopping block as being associated with any kind of injustice, I am seriously concerned. When did the profession decide to, in the words of Pelton, "go along to get along".? Have social workers become so disillusioned by the rhetoric and red tape of the social system that they've forgotten the Code of Ethics so essential to the profession. Like you, I believe this conversation should be had and had quickly or those of us new to this profession may find ourselves questioning, What is it all for?" Looking forward to reading your blogs weekly and perhaps even working with you in the future.
I love the clip you added from Claudine; I've never seen that movie before. However, it reminds me of something that I'm not particularly proud of.
In my Intro to SW class last semester, we watched a news broadcast on the Welfare system after reform was implemented in the 1990s. People who had been on the welfare rolls their whole lives were fixing to be terminated. These people were seeking jobs, but luck just didn't seem to be on their side. I saw that some opted for Kool-Aide packets, because milk was too expensive. But then I see them smoking cigarettes, and having an animal or two. I wondered, if you can't buy milk, why in the world would you waste money on cigarettes and animals?
But I have been fortunate and have not had to live in poverty. Who am I to sit here and judge others for life's pleasures in a such a cruel and unforgiving society? Sometimes I still struggle with the idea, but admitting this unfounded judgement I see as the first step to overcoming it. I wish that I had the means to help every family that didn't have enough money to buy milk or afford their electricity bill... just basic needs in America.
I never thought being a social worker could be so complex until reading this article.The reality of this topic is that many programs/companies do have a standard of who and what is acceptable.Which makes it hard for many people, who do seek help, receive benefits.
ReplyDeleteI concur that this topic should be addressed more seriously and often.
I completely agree with you, I never saw this light of social work before but completely glad we have come across it now. Being knowledgeable of such aspects of social work are bound to help us become better social workers out in the field. I thought your video clip fit adequately to the topic at hand =) very much enjoyed! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteSymone,
ReplyDeleteYou definitely hit the nail on the head! When the Social Work profession is on them chopping block as being associated with any kind of injustice, I am seriously concerned. When did the profession decide to, in the words of Pelton, "go along to get along".? Have social workers become so disillusioned by the rhetoric and red tape of the social system that they've forgotten the Code of Ethics so essential to the profession. Like you, I believe this conversation should be had and had quickly or those of us new to this profession may find ourselves questioning, What is it all for?" Looking forward to reading your blogs weekly and perhaps even working with you in the future.
Hey Symone,
ReplyDeleteI love the clip you added from Claudine; I've never seen that movie before. However, it reminds me of something that I'm not particularly proud of.
In my Intro to SW class last semester, we watched a news broadcast on the Welfare system after reform was implemented in the 1990s. People who had been on the welfare rolls their whole lives were fixing to be terminated. These people were seeking jobs, but luck just didn't seem to be on their side. I saw that some opted for Kool-Aide packets, because milk was too expensive. But then I see them smoking cigarettes, and having an animal or two. I wondered, if you can't buy milk, why in the world would you waste money on cigarettes and animals?
But I have been fortunate and have not had to live in poverty. Who am I to sit here and judge others for life's pleasures in a such a cruel and unforgiving society? Sometimes I still struggle with the idea, but admitting this unfounded judgement I see as the first step to overcoming it. I wish that I had the means to help every family that didn't have enough money to buy milk or afford their electricity bill... just basic needs in America.
I enjoyed your post, and I'll see you Monday!