Author, Simon.
Published, April 14, 2008.

In observing Australian society, one must surely notice the surge in interest in social justice. People are truly beginning to sit up and take notice of the calls for ending world poverty. I don’t intend to summarise the ills of the third world, and the injustice which we, in the west, perpetrate whenever we go shopping at Chadstone (which I have lovingly dubbed ‘Babylon’; pass it on!). The information is widely available and fairly easy to find. See Micah Challenge, Make Poverty History or the UN’s Millennium Development Goals.

The movement for social justice, particularly to end the plight of the impoverished across the world, has gained quite a bit of momentum in recent times. Popular movements like ‘Make Poverty History’ and Live Aid have given the plight of the world’s poor and oppressed much exposure. The general populous now see ending world poverty as a serious and genuinely achievable goal. However, like anything that gains popular momentum, I feel that movement has lost some credibility. I admit that I am being cynical, but here’s why.

Firstly; the Make Poverty History concerts and events that occur around the world are a great idea. They promote awareness of the issues and give young people in particular, a vision for making a difference. I do have concerns about the nature of these events though. I don’t think rock concerts are a very sobering way to really change the way people live, and I get the sense that it is far too easy for people attending these events to simply think; “Well, I’ve been to the concert. I’ve bought a wrist band. I’ve done my bit.” Most of them probably go home, turn on the TV and watch The Biggest Loser. Sorry, but this doesn’t exactly add up. It has become ‘cool’ to wear a Make Poverty History wrist band around school and university campuses. The movement has become somewhat of a party. I think that it lacks integrity; and not because the organisations running it are corrupt(let me make that clear). More because of the large number of people seemingly putting their hand up in support of the movement, who most likely don’t understand, or care much, that their lifestyles and habits are drastically inconsistent with the aims of the organisation they are intending to support. Social justice has become so cool, that it’s a fad.

Here’s an example; the 2007 Hillsong Conference, in Sydney. Their main tagline for the conference was Justice. Great! What a turnaround! All of a sudden, Hillsong have changed their tune, and are inviting the Watoto Childrens Choir and the CEO of Compassion International to be guests at their conference. Previously, they preached health and wealth gospel, or the Prosperity Gospel. The 2007 conference, though, was focused on the plight of the poor and how to make a difference. This is, at first glance, encouraging. However, I’m sure you would forgive my scepticism when taking into account that, not only were Hillsong previously Prosperity Gospel preachers, but that another guest speaker at the conference was Bishop T. D. Jakes. Jakes is a pastor in America, writes a lot of books, and seems to be a fairly clued up character. He also subscribes to prosperity theology. He lives in a multi-million dollar mansion, and allegedly amasses expensive cars, clothing and other luxury items. I can’t help but see some massive inconsistencies here. Social Justice has become so hip, and cool, that Hillsong are running with it. Even the promotional video for the 2008 conference flashes the word ‘Justice’ across the screen.

Fair Trade is another great example of the inconsistencies which lead me to believe that the movement is simply becoming a fad. Coffex, a leading coffee brand, have their own Fair Trade range available. Cadbury owns the Black and Gold company, which also has its own Fair Trade range (although range is an exaggeration, as it is a range of one). The Fair Trade label is not easy to acquire, and these companies would have had to genuinely prove that a certain percentage of their coffee or chocolate which they are using in their product has come from a collective farm which treats its workers fairly, and that they paid a premium price for it. The problem is obvious, though; the vast majority of Coffex and Cadbury products are not fair trade.

I admit that I sound like I am against the movement, but those of you who know me know I am passionate about social justice issues. I am concerned because I am passionate. The catch-22, if you will, is that popular movements are how things change. Grassroots activity is what is required to make a difference, and grassroots movements are what start popular movements. It is positive that people are generally more aware of the injustices that are occurring in our world. It is concerning, though, that social justice is becoming just another fad.