standards to create and protect fairness
Justice is standards that enable and protect fairness in life. This includes equality (treated all the same) and equity (treated according to needs). An example of equality is being paid the same wages as colleagues doing the same work. An example of equity is reserved parking near the entrance for those with physical handicaps.
Goals
To critically assess …
- The meaning of citizenship, fairness, open-mindedness, and leadership
- How these virtues inspire others, such as cooperation and heroism
- Ways related words of wisdom guide appropriate action
- How to resolve realistic scenarios based on wisdom in the topics
Citizenship
Citizenship refers to a sense of obligation to the common good of the groups of which one is a member.
Community typically refers to people with something in common, such as location, interests, or heritage.
- For example, the scientific community requires that claims be supported with facts.
- To have a happy place, create a community of friendly folk.
Everyone has a part to play in the life of a community.
- The little wheels in the watch are just as important as the hands of the watch.
- When it comes to giving, some people stop at nothing.
Cooperation is working together for a shared goal or benefit.
- For example, the castaways cooperate to set up camp and get a fire going before nightfall.
- It is difficult to dislike a person who likes you and therein lies a plan for peace.
In cooperation are numbers; in numbers, strength.
- Snowflakes may be fragile, but look what they can do by sticking together.
- A chain is only as strong as its weakest link.
Representation is being entitled to act or participate on behalf of or instead of others.
- For example, she represents Lilac Island in the world sports competition.
- The team voted for a new mascot and logo, one that is more inclusive and representative diversity in the population.
An effective representative is sympathetic to those he or she represents.
- One cannot lead others where one has not first traveled.
- Authority does not make a leader; it gives the opportunity to be one.
Responsibility is being entrusted to make decisions on your own, but also being accountable for your actions.
- For example, her political party is responsible for putting us in debt, paying for their political promises.
- Responsibility is response to ability, her uncle said. Now, as a young graduate, she felt pressure to realize her. potential.
Community is created by taking initiative and accepting responsibility.
- Hard work is often the accumulation of easy things neglected.
- When you don’t know what to do, do the most helpful things.
Based on the Wisdom in this Topic
Case of Seeking Shelter
How can campers needing shelter and occupants seeking anonymity find common ground?
- CAMPERS. A sudden storm forced us to seek shelter. The farmhouse turns out to be a safe-house. We both have children who might play together, oblivious of the circumstances. We need to win the trust of our hosts to have shelter from the storm.
- OCCUPANTS. We are part of a witness relocation program, living in this safe-house that used to be a farm house. We are upset about the intruders. They could be danger. We need to win the trust of the campers to not reveal our location.
Case of the Sub Sibling
What is a wise way to deal with a team member with self-exaggerated abilities?
- RESIDENT. The town fitness centre organizes volleyball matches and tournaments for retired residents. Teams are organized by occupation, such as sales clerks and auto mechanics. The team of retired nurses was one of the more successful — until an injured member was replaced by her sister.
- ORGANIZER. This sister is a pleasant person, but she exaggerates her abilities. The team began to lose. Teammates asked to have her switch to the real estate team, a player short, so she can “share” her talent.
Case of Puppy Love
How best can a boy and his mom resolve differences to care for their puppy?
- BOY. I fell in love with the puppy right away and made a deal with my mom to walk, brush, and clean up after the dog. We love to run, play catch, and roll in the leaves. I love my dog and she loves me, but I also have school, hockey, and friends. Why can’t mom feed the pup and walk her? Mom spends more time reminding me than just walking the dog herself.
- MOM. My son does love the dog, but mostly when it is convenient. The chores of feeding, walking, brushing, and cleaning up after the pup have been neglected. I suppose it is partly my fault for giving in when I was concerned that the responsibility might be too much at his age. As the daily needs of the dog are neglected, I have resorted to a firm voice and set down consequences.
Fairness
Fairness refers treating other people in the same or similar ways; not letting personal feelings bias decisions about others.
Excuse is to be released from an obligation or the reason for being exempt.
- Excuse me for arriving late, the flight was delayed.
- Excuses only fully satisfy only those who use them.
People tend to make rules for others and excuses for themselves.
- A poor worker always finds fault with the tools
- There is an “I” in every accident and “U” in every excuse.
That said, we are excused from what we cannot do.
- There is no right way to do the wrong thing.
- One loss does not make a season.
Integrity is the quality of being fair and honest, and being consistent in what you say and do (walk the talk).
- For example: I could have kept the wallet that I found, sure, but keeping the cash would be the price of integrity lost.
- We have no right to do as we please unless we please to do right.
We show what we are by what we do with what we have.
- Integrity is a way of walking, not a way of talking.
- Knowing what is right doesn’t mean much unless one does what is right.
Justice is getting what you deserve or are owed.
- For example, if I spill your drink, then it is only just that I buy you another.
- Good is not good enough where better is expected.
Treat others fairly since fair share for everyone means fair share for you too.
- To encourage injustice, give in to it.
- Some believe in law and order only if they make the laws and give the orders.
Based on the Wisdom in this Topic
Case of the Scrapped Yard
Is a lock sufficient security or is kids-will-be-kids an excuse to trespass?
- YARD OWNER. My brother and I owned a fenced-in scrapyard. We collected and stripped appliances and automobiles of parts for reuse or recycle. When my brother died, I retired from the business and left the stockpiles of scrap to weather. The area is under lock and key.
- PARENT. The area around the scrapyard was rezoned for low-income housing. The stacks of TV sets, old refrigerators, and doorless automobiles attracted children from the development, despite the fence and warning signs. Kids will be kids, they’re gong to enter and it is dangerous. The scrapyard needs to be cleared.
Case of the Honest Art
What should a cartoonist when the editor encourages political caricature?
- NOEL. Leon and I grew up on the same block and remained lifelong friends, although as adults we belong to opposite political parties. I was elected to office and presently the head of the gambling commission. Leon is an editorial cartoonist for The Caption, the town’s local newspaper.
- LEON. My editor wants me to portray Noel as a shark or snake. I suggested a monkey or bull as a compromise, but the editor is adamant. He claims a shark or snake would be fitting for the head of a gambling commission. Besides, any harm to Noel’s reputation could help the election chances of the candidate that editor prefers.
Case of the Inside Job
How should a grocery owner deal with staff when there is a traitor among them?
- GROCER. I own a small, independent grocery. We had a break-in last week. Thieves entered through the skylight and disarmed the burglar alarm system. Doing so requires knowledge of the layout and alarm codes. Since the insurance policy does not cover losses for an “inside job,” I have to pay all costs related to the burglary.
- CASHIER. The whole incident has demoralized the staff. Employees think it will discourage the owner from giving wage increases this year. She feels betrayed by a traitor in our midst and told the staff to expect a wage freeze because of money lost in the burglary.
Open-Mindedness
Open-mindedness is being willing to look for evidence that goes against ones beliefs or goals and fairly weigh the evidence.
Openness of mind refers to being receptive or willing to consider alternatives.
- For example, not everybody can fit in the van, so we have to be open to other traveling arrangements.
- Some minds are like concrete: mixed up and permanently set.
Never let your studies interfere with your education.
- Illusion of knowledge is more of a block to discovery than ignorance
- Prejudice is the child of ignorance.
Flexibility is willingness to change or compromise.
- For example, I ask for half the price in advance for first-time buyers, but am flexible for my repeat customers.
- We changed hours of operation to attract more customers.
Change alone is constant; the only universal quality is diversity.
- Every new adjustment is a crisis in self-esteem.
- When you are through changing, you’re through.
Based on the Wisdom in this Topic
Case of the Thrown Washers
How can those who have their minds made up become open to alternatives?
- REPORTER. Somebody in the upper decks started throwing metal washers. They went zinging down and caused the soccer crowd to panic. Police detained two people: a male and a female. The male alleges being tricked. He says police told him it was just a written caution, sign it and he could catch the last train home. He signed, only to discover the document was a confession.
- INVESTIGATOR. This same person subsequently escaped custody. I was hired and tracked down the fugitive. We talked while returning to headquarters. Now, with a better understanding of the circumstances, my sympathies are with the fugitive. The police, however, insist they have the right person and point to the confession and escape.
Case of Triple Ties
How can people become open to alternative life styles, such as a trio marriage?
- GOVERNOR. Lilac Island has no national policy on plural marriages. Our region is having a vote whether to allow trio marriage: ‘one male and two females’ or ‘one female and two males’, all age 18 or older, exclusive thereafter (no fourth member).
- REPORTER. Advocates argue that living arrangements are private and do others no harm. Opponents object that three parties cannot be equally happy, so conflict will increase. Furthermore, polygamy could lead to a shortage of wives or husbands over the long term.
Case of Ad Shock
What response is appropriate for advertisements that gain but don’t earn attention?
- ADVERTISER. My client is a clothing manufacturer. We turned to shock advertising to increase awareness of their brand. One billboard shows a coffin draped with a flag. Another uses the image of a woman bruised black and blue. A third has a man with a mouth stuffed full of dollar bills. Each photo is accompanied only by the company’s logo and the images are not related to company products. They are there to attract attention so people see the company logo.
- REPORTER. In the ensuing controversy, the public did become more aware of the company’s name. People found the images bizarre and at times unpleasant, but they did draw attention to the company. Sales rose dramatically. Now other companies are considering similar, but even more shocking, advertising campaigns.
Leadership
Leadership refers to directing group activities so members do what they are supposed to do while keeping up group morale.
Accountability is being answerable to others for our actions.
- For example, team members are accountable to the coach for any misconduct on or off of the playing field.
- No one is justified in doing harm on the ground of expedience.
If we do as we please, we’re seldom pleased with what we do.
- Even champions have coaches.
- Everyone can arrive in abilities, though some may be delayed.
Example is a standard of behaviour or role model.
- For example, if you’re unsure which knife or fork to use at the formal dinner, follow the host’s example and pick up what she uses.
- You can exert no influence if you are not susceptible to influence.
Don’t pretend to be what you don’t intend to be.
- A candle loses nothing by lighting another candle.
- We can tell but never teach until we practice what we preach.
Heroism is defying danger for a noble cause.
- For example, foiling a robbery or fixing the flat tire of a stranded motorist.
- Few would go deer hunting if the deer could shoot back.
Heroes are ordinary people rising to an extra-ordinary need.
- People seldom improve when they have no model but themselves.
- Working together, ordinary people can perform extraordinary feats.
Leadership is being responsible for directing or influencing the actions of others.
- For example, having lost the clue to our next destination we saw another team and played follow the leader to the rally location.
- Don’t try to follow in the footsteps of others; seek what they sought.
Leaders are identified by their contributions, not by their titles.
- Knowing layoffs were coming, the manager asked his staff to take up to a day each week trying to find work elsewhere.
- If you cannot lead and will not follow, then get out of the way.
Based on the Wisdom in this Topic
Case of the Three Sisters
To what extent are siblings answerable to one another according to age or skill?
- ACACIA, eldest. My sisters are capable, but need guidance and prodding if they are to develop skills and motivation. Even champions have coaches. That’s why winning prizes at the local fair for my pies and preserves encourages me to evaluate my siblings in selecting fresh ingredients and making precise measurements.
- HOLLY, middle. Our eldest sister takes a matronly attitude in the kitchen and occasionally her suggestions backfire. Maybe those who know the least know it the loudest. In any case, I feel that roles need to be respected and we need to be more mutually supportive.
- WILLOW, youngest. Acacia comes across as bossy because she is impatient. She needs to ease up and respect that I will learn at my own pace. After all, everyone can arrive in abilities, though some may be delayed.
Case of the Sales Agent
What should an overqualified administrator put on an application for a needed job?
- VICTORIA. After working years in federal social services, Vince rose to a job that paid well but was all paperwork. He longed to work with people in a more practical role. At night, he took courses to sell real estate, then applied to one agency after another. They all turned him down, figuring he was overqualified for selling houses and likely to leave when a better job came along.
- VINCENT. On the next application, I listed previous experience as “counsellor” and did not mention pay grade or senior administrative rank. I was hired, but feel conflicted. The application said any relevant misleading or omitted information may result in dismissal.
Case of the Mayday Ruse
How should a falsely accused guard best convince others of an emergency?
- STEWARD. Our airplane was apparently hijacked. The “hijackers” turned out to be undercover agents carrying out a test of the extent to which citizens are able to resist. When the simulation was eventually revealed to the passengers, they were angry and confused.
- PASSENGER. I’m a retired security guard. Despite the simulation, I suspect the steward really is a terrorist and has triggered a bomb to detonate above a certain altitude. The government agents won’t listen and imprisoned me in the bathroom, thinking I am the real threat.