Social justice -- is it still relevant in the 21st century? | Charles L. Robbins | TEDxSBU

This talk was given at a local TEDx event, produced independently of the TED Conferences. Pervasive injustice has society at a turning point. Every individual has a choice to make - you can either stand with me and fight for social justice, or you can stay on the sidelines silently supporting the systems that perpetuate the inequality, violence, and poverty that plague our world. This talk highlights some of the most critical social justice issues of our time and calls on everyone to stand up and play a part in changing the world.

Charles L. Robbins is the Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education and Dean of the Undergraduate Colleges at Stony Brook University. His faculty appointment is in the School of Social Welfare where he was most recently Associate Dean for Academic Affairs. He is an affiliated faculty member in the Program in Public Health. Dr. Robbins is the co-founder and co-director of the Stony Brook University Freedom School, operated in conjunction with The Children’s Defense Fund. He is on the Board of Directors of MCW, Global where he is responsible for global youth development and represents MCW as a NGO Delegate to the United Nations. Dr. Robbins supports the work of the Long Island GLBT Services Network, Long Island Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, The Children’s Defense Fund and Young Men 4 Gender Equality. Dr. Robbins is passionate about his research and work that focuses on issues of social justice, higher education and student success, gender equality, men and masculinity and violence as a public health issue. Dr. Robbins understands the importance of being a mentor to students and colleagues. He has been married for forty years and is a proud father and grandfather. Dr. Robbins is thrilled to be a part of TEDxSBU.

About TEDx, x = independently organized event In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)

[TulipsToKiss]

this video is nearly 7 years old and it feels so relevant today.... we really haven't changed much huh.... ouch :(

[fullthrottlealways]

'The idea of social justice is that the State should treat different people unequally in order to make them equal'
Frederich August von Hayek

[potatogurls]

I'm literally watching this video as an assignment from my teacher. We have a presentation on it
it's tomorrow wish me luck.

[usertwn]

People need to start properly learning and getting informed about these various issues if there is going to be change. People can't discuss and debate topics they have no understanding or knowledge of. The bigger problem is that this country has a way of making its people feel like they know more than they actually do. When it comes to discussions between people, a majority either use or fall prey to the many kinds of persuasive fallacies like flawed arguments, flawed design of argument, or flawed evidence in arguments.

[mackdmara]

It is harder to accept a perceived defect in others, than it is to forget the clear defect in ourselves. If you want equality and acceptance, work on that. God bless you all.

[bryannaregalado]

Wow, this video is 8 years old and yet nothing has changed. In fact I feel like modern feminism got worse somehow. A lot of children are still dying to gun violence, and a lot of men and women are stuck in abusive relationship.

What hurts the most is that nothing mentioned in this video has changed for the better, everyone just moves on once something big happens. I'm a student needing to look for a video to write a reflection and when I listened to this I just feel sadder. Man Humanity is just so screwed right now.

[abesx]

Within the first few seconds "Working at a university..."
Ok, so I know where this guy stands.

[eideesalinasful]

social justice: justice in terms of the distribution of wealth, opportunities, and privileges within a society.
"individuality gives way to the struggle for social justice"

[ArtyGoat]

Time to talk about taking personal responsibility instead of my rights my rights my rights.... if people took responsibility for each other we would all feel good. My rights are others responsibilities and vice versa

[cjoxdlu]

The comment section tells that people can not take criticisms.

[gendolookin]

2/3 Of american families have guns in their homes....and most of them are illegal?  Where is that stat from?

[aspookyfox]

It is an unfortunate fact that this subject and the content of this video are too high brow for majority of the commenters.

[willmickel]

Half the harm that is done in this world is do to people you want to feel important. They don't mean to do harm - but the harm does not interest them. Or they do not see it, or the justify it because they are absorbed in the endless struggle to think we'll of themselves.

[triciareyes]

He keeps changing subjects about social justice

[Dezyrd]

who else is here for uni/school/college

[willmickel]

Social Justice has no place in a free society.

[godssara]

Social Justice isn't justice. It doesn't care about justice or the truth

[wildtexan]

man this guy proves that wisdom doesnt come with age

[solidether]

Social Justice is simply takeover of private property on large scale and back to slavery system.
What's the difference is between Justice and Social Justice ? The same like betwen a chair and electric chair.

[maddmaxx]

This talk is long on complaints and short on proposed solutions. I would be interested more in hearing how this administrator would go about solving these problems.