In Conclusion

I write entirely to find out what I'm thinking, what I'm looking at, what I see and what it means. What I want and what I fear ~ Joan Didion

This journal has helped me understanding what I'm thinking, what societal faces we are facing, and what it means. I have come to make realizations about what I want for my life and how I want to contribute to ending this massive divide not only between society and law, but society and everything. Society is fed ideology upon ideology, and I believe that we need to become more realistic about what our society actually practices compared to what it advertises.  
At the beginning of this course, my goal for the blog was "to use the elements of thought and apply them to classwork and readings in order to get a better understanding of the system of law as it relates to society." I have definitely fulfilled this goal and got even more out of the class than my original goal states.

I have concluded that in order for our society to evolve, our government needs to loosen the reigns and allow progression and change for the betterment of the majority. In order to do this, we must let go of our bigoted attitudes, learn from our mistakes, and use other forms of government as examples. For instance, Holland has embraced a liberal, non authoritarian system of law. Instead of pretending that they can prevent problems such as drug abuse and prostitution, Holland realizes that these things are going to happen. People will do drugs and people will pay for sex, whether it is legal or not. However, they look out for the best interest of their people by providing assistance such as needle exchange programs for drug users and healthcare and STD tests for prostitutes. As a result, their people are healthier and drugs and sex are not as negatively stigmatized. Unlike the United States, Holland does not take it upon themselves to discriminate against people of different races, classes and genders.

The United States is clinging so tightly to the falsity that this is "the land of the free." Once politicians and corporations let go of this ideology, there can begin to be true equality in our country. However, it can be seen through recent events that the government and the corporations that are controlling it are not going down without a struggle. Through peaceful revolution and determination, I can only hope that the majority will gain back their individual rights and regain control over this country.

On a personal level, I feel more compelled each day to fight for equal rights in this country. As I become more informed about our society, it is easier and easier for me to feel overwhelmed by the problems that myself and the rest of this country are up against. However, I will continue to inform myself and others while working to create a more democratic society. I'm not sure what the next step will be for me.. a non-profit, public service, or social justice? I'm not sure. But I do know that whatever I am led to next, I will be able to use my knowledge acquired in Law and Society as well as other courses that I have taken.

Overall, I give myself an A-. I think it is hard to give myself an A because nothing is ever perfect. Given the circumstances, I think my journals demonstrate the learning that this course aimed to provide.