Final Refection

                                                                           Emma Short

University of Nebraska at Kearney 

SWOK-420: Diversity and Social Justice 

December 12, 2025

 

Reflect on the future of social justice. Discuss potential challenges, areas of progress, and your hopes for the future. 

         The future of social justice holds immense potential but also significant obstacles. One of the most persistent challenges is the deep-rooted nature of systemic inequality. These inequalities, whether based on race, gender, or class, are woven into many societies, making them difficult to uproot. Even as awareness grows, resistance to change can stem from entrenched interests, misinformation, and social polarization, slowing progress or even causing setbacks. 

         However, areas of progress are becoming increasingly visible. The global rise of social movements, fueled by digital connectivity, has transformed how people organize and advocate for change. Movements like Black Lives Matter, Me Too, and climate justice campaigns have brought critical issues to the forefront, demanding accountability and reform. Education is also evolving, with greater emphasis on inclusivity and understanding historical injustices, fostering empathy and solidarity across diverse communities. 

         Looking ahead, I hope for a future where social justice is not just an ideal but a lived reality. This means building systems that ensure equal access to opportunities, healthcare, and education, while also protecting individual rights and dignity. I envision a world where diversity is embraced as strength and where dialogue replaces division. The road will be long and complex, but with persistent effort, courageous leadership, and collective action, the future of social justice can be one of hope, healing, and true equality.

Reflect on your overall blogging experience and course learning. Discuss what you’ve learned, how your perspective has (or has not) changed, and how you plan to incorporate social justice into your future professional and personal journey.

         Looking back throughout this class, I have learned vital information. I have learned to be more sympathetic, which has allowed me to read my classmates’ opinions and respect their stances. Even if I disagree, I enjoy seeing how they back up their opinions. Coming from a place where history will be a large part of my future, I have enjoyed learning about the historical impact of social justice. I knew there was a history behind it, but I have not taken a class where I can dive deep into it. This class has allowed me to take a step back and appreciate all the stories that are told. Throughout my career, I plan to be transparent and advocate for what I believe in. Being a history major, I am often thrown into debates about politics. I have always been in the moderate mindset and do not connect everything with politics. Even though I say I am moderate, I do have strong views. While I do not think this is a bad thing, I need to be better at respecting and genuinely listening to others, and at advocating for both sides of the conversation. I plan on becoming a history professor, and that will also allow me to see different sides of discussion. For example, college campuses offer places where students and professors from all over the world can come together to share diverse experiences. Seeing this from a historical background, I always appreciate the different ways people see historical events. I have really enjoyed this class, and I am looking forward to learning more about social justice and helping bring about change in the world. Even though I am only one person, I think one person can make a difference. 





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