Dead Man Walking

Before the movie, I had never really cared for those who were on death row because he/she had obviously done something pretty horrible to get themselves there. While watching Dead Man Walking, I felt really bad for Matthew's family and for Matthew because he saw how his actions were effecting them. No one wants to be the reason why their family is crying. His mom was crying because that was her son, not the rapist and murder that others saw. Matthew was once a little boy that wanted to learn how to ride his bike. I hadn't really thought about the family of the man/woman on death row. I liked how this movie showed the two different sides of the death penalty. When we introduced to the other families, I felt just as bad for the families who had lost their children. I honestly do not blame them for being upset or angry, because I would be too.

As of now, I am not really sure about how I feel about the death penalty. Before the movie, I would have said "yes, I am for the death penalty." Now I am uncertain as to what the death penalty accomplishes. There is no justice in killing another human being, it is not like the dead loved ones will come back when the murder is killed.

Restorative Justice

I think that this alternative "restorative justice" is a nice way to help those who want another chance, but I think it all depends on the actual crime that was committed. If a serial killer, who raped and brutally murdered 10 girls, wants a chance to "be heard and participate" in society, I would honestly not want to hear him/her. But if it was someone who stole a flat screen television or dealt drugs, I would not mind hearing what he/she has to say. I think that we as people should try to help our dear neighbors, but there are some instances that are hard to ignore/get over. If we act like nothing happened, what is to stop other people form breaking more laws if they no that they will not get penalized? Yes it is keeping with Catholic Social Teaching because we as catholics are supposed to forgive those who have hurt us.

Hotel Rwanda

Sadly, Jack was right. Generally, people do not care until it affects themselves. Example: Due to Sally's recent diagnose of cancer, her relatives have donated money to Make A Wish Foundation. People do not get involved until it hits home. Many have gained the mentality of "if it does not concern me, why should I care." I think that people genuinely feel sympathy for the people on the news that are suffering, but i think that we say to ourselves "what can I do to help.....nothing." 

The movie was very eye opening, and I feel really guilty that the US didn't do anything to help the people of Rwanda. I give a lot of credit to those who continue to live in Rwanda because I would be terrified that another rebellion would occur. If there is ever another genocide (hopefully never), I hope that the US can prevent the deaths of innocent lives. 

Critical Social Justice Issue

Poverty is one of, if not, the most critical pressing social justice issues in our society today. Even though  the US is one of the most generous countries, there is still so much more that we can accomplish. Children are starving in America, some cannot afford to go to school because they need to help their parents with money.This also goes along with the lines of our GIGANTIC national debt. How can the government focus on the poor in our country when it is up to it's ears in debt to other countries. Honestly, it is not that hard to stop spending money. (maybe it is, I am not the president so I do not know) If our national debt was gone, the government may have more time to focus on the citizens who need help. We also need to spend less time on the stupid day-to-day 3rd world problems and open our eyes to see what really matters, like donating to a charity rather than spend $95 on new jeans or spending time making a casseroles with friends for a shelter rather than going to the mall.

I also think that selfishness is a big problem. It does not sound like a social justice issue, but it goes along the lines of just treating people with respect. There are some really just plain mean people out there in the world, I used to think that there is good in all people. Just the pure lack of respect that people have towards other people is awful! People are starting to not care about other people or just simply say "suck it up." We sometimes forget that our actions have huge effects on those around us, some negative and some positive. Some people deliberately try to hurt others, and that is just not right. I honestly do not know how to teach a world how to be nice or kind, it would be an impossible task.