I see Justice as Healing, and Healing as Justice.
Labelling people as criminals and making them suffer, is intolerant of human frailties and justifies a theory of social control by violence. In many parts of the world, people (especially black young men) are treated like disposable commodities and the prisons are filled to beyond capacity. Prisons have become a money making businesses. Of course terrible crimes and senseless wars must be addressed. People do need to face the consequences of their actions with the opportunity to make reparation, not just for the sake of punishment which doesn’t really help anyone.
True justice is about making a paradigm shift away from retributive justice to restorative justice, moving from coercion to healing, moving from solely individual accountability to individual and collective accountability. I believe we should look at how the greater system is implicated and not just the individual. We are so interconnected, the community is key. Moving from a primary dependence on external structures, like the state or laws, to a greater self reliance ,within a caring community and for the community to self-regulate itself.
It moves Justice from getting even to getting well.
Justice looks like being able to shine and share our gifts as human beings. For all people to be safe, well , sheltered, healthy, creative, joyful and thriving. For women and men to be safe and free from violence. To introduce effective, compassionate, respectful listening circles so all voices can be heard and to teach non- violent communication and peace- making everywhere.
Also to respect our deep connection to our beautiful Earth and see in how many ways she is being raped and violated and how it must stop. We must activate our voices and will together to restore harmony, wholeness and joy and true justice for all, including all life.
I was gang-raped in South Africa in December 2012 so I do not express these views lightly.