Life is not Fair: The Mechanisms of Injustice {Reflection Redeemed}

 

“Life is not fair” — a phrase that echoes through societies and generations. It is a cliché that most of us witness, believe, or even adopt. Indeed, life can be unfair and full of injustices. Understanding this phenomenon requires examining how injustice operates — its mechanisms, actors, and enabling environments.

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The Structure of Injustice

For an injustice to occur, there must be two principal elements: the oppressor and the oppressed. These roles function within an environment that allows injustice to thrive. In many contexts, injustices are lucrative and self-sustaining unless there are strong systems to regulate or dismantle them. Often, unjust acts are carried out by the majority, yet the benefits are concentrated among a few (Rawls, 1971).

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The Role of Spectators

When injustices happen in public, a third element emerges — the witnesses and spectators. These individuals observe acts of injustice but are often unable or unwilling to intervene. This phenomenon aligns with what social psychologists call the “bystander effect,” where individuals feel less responsible to act when others are present (Darley & Latané, 1968).

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Acceptance and Celebration of Injustice

Many people tolerate injustice so long as they are not the oppressed party. Some may even participate in unjust acts to maintain their own safety or privilege. Consequently, injustice becomes socially accepted or quietly celebrated, even if condemned in public discourse. This dynamic perpetuates systemic inequities across social, economic, and political levels (Young, 1990).

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The Injustice Prejudice Paradox

A striking aspect of injustice is what may be termed the “injustice prejudice paradox.” Those who contribute to or witness injustice often believe they are immune to it — that such oppression could never happen to them. This illusion of immunity leads to victim-blaming, where people rationalize injustice by attributing it to the victim’s choices or behavior (Lerner, 1980).

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Ethical Responsibility and Awareness

Despite systemic complexity, individuals retain a degree of moral agency. One can choose not to participate in the cycle of injustice — either through abstinence, advocacy, or awareness. Even if one cannot prevent injustice directly, refusing to perpetuate or enable it is an ethical stance that upholds human dignity. Awareness that anyone can become the next oppressed may cultivate greater empathy and resistance to injustice.

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References

• Darley, J. M., & Latané, B. (1968). Bystander intervention in emergencies: Diffusion of responsibility. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 8(4), 377–383.

• Lerner, M. J. (1980). The belief in a just world: A fundamental delusion. Springer.

• Rawls, J. (1971). A theory of justice. Harvard University Press.

• Young, I. M. (1990). Justice and the politics of difference. Princeton University Press.

  
  

  PS: the image will be uploaded later as there is an unknown difficulty with uploading it