#UnitedFOrJustice

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Tight Knots, Loose Threads

Social Bonds and Justice in Society

In their respective works, Martin Luther King Jr. and Amitai Etzioni offer distinct yet complementary insights into justice, community bonds, and the role of communication in fostering a good society. King identifies justice through moral righteousness and equitable laws, while Etzioni emphasizes the balance between frayed and tightly knit social bonds. Both authors argue that meaningful communication and discourse are essential to building a just and cohesive society. King's vision of non-violent dialogue for social change and Etzioni's advocacy for respectful public discourse demonstrate how communication can bridge divisions and strengthen community ties.

Martin Luther King addressed the condemnation that (white) clergymen in America placed on him due to being the protest's leader. On April 12, 1963, King and others led a non-violent protest against segregation. That protest led to King and 54 others' arrests. While in jail,  the clergymen wrote an article published in a Birmingham newspaper, describing the protest as untimely and unwise. In that letter, King addresses why he broke the laws. He says that the law he broke was unjust to begin with. King identifies justice or what a just law is in two ways. The first is that any law must be morally righteous, meaning he, as a clergyman, will only obey a law that aligns with the word of [the Christian] God. "A just law is a man-made code that squares with the moral law or the law of God." (King, 1963). The second way is that the law, both in its direct writing and in its application, is equitable. That is to say: "…a just law is a code that a majority compels a minority to follow and that it is willing to follow itself." (King, 1963)

Like King, Etzioni wants to foster a good society; however, they approach it from the standpoint of community building and balance. He argues, and I feel like most would agree, that social bonds are essential for human well-being. They provide us with a sense of belonging and support. However, bonds that are too tightly knit can be oppressive.

"I refer to communities in which bonds, even those among peers, are restrictive, preventing proper development of self, cramping individuality, spontaneity, and creativity." (Etzioni, 2002, 84)

In contrast, groups with social ties that are weak can lead to isolation and alienation. Using Robert Putnam's work to emphasize this: 

"the loosening of bonds within the family (both extended and nuclear) is well known. This trend, of course, is quite consistent with--and may help to explain--our theme of social decapitalization." (Putnam, 1995, 73)  

Etzioni believes that a healthy society requires a balance—bonds should be strong enough to foster a diverse community but not disallow autonomy within groups.

Both Etzioni argues that peace and non–violent communication can bridge the gap between people within a community to strengthen the group overall. For King, that includes direct, non-violent action, even in the face of violence. 

"... Isn't negotiation a better path?' You are quite right in calling for negotiation. Indeed, this is the very purpose of direct action. Non-violent direct action seeks to create such a crisis and foster such a tension that a community which has constantly refused to negotiate is forced to confront the issue." (King, 1963) 

In Etzioni's case, He takes a more general approach, coining the phrase megalopae; to foster the correct balance between diverse people, a nationwide dialogue about those differences must be had and resolved.

"The answer that is compatible with the vision of a good society spelled out here is that the best way to change the direction of a society is to have megalogues about the substance of members' values and the intensity of their commitments to values they affirm." (Etzioni, 2002, 92)

Martin Luther King Jr. and Amitai Etzioni emphasize the role of communication and social bonds in fostering a good society. King’s call for justice through non-violent dialogue highlights the need for direct action to challenge unjust laws and promote equality. Etzioni, on the other hand, stresses the importance of balancing social interactions to ensure a healthy community that supports both unity and personal autonomy. Both perspectives underscore that meaningful communication—whether through King’s non-violent resistance or Etzioni’s megalogues—is essential for bridging divides, fostering trust, and building a cohesive society. Ultimately, their shared belief in the power of discourse shows that peace, justice, and social cohesion are best achieved when communities come together through open and respectful dialogue.

References

EJI. (n.d.). Apr. 12, 1963 | Bull Connor Orders Violent Arrests of Dr. MLK Jr. and Dozens More. Retrieved September 8, 2024, from https://calendar.eji.org/racial-injustice/apr/12

Etzioni, A. (2002, May). "The Good Society. Seattle Journal for Social Justice, 1(1), 83 - 96. https://digitalcommons.law.seattleu.edu/sjsj/vol1/iss1/7?utm_source=digitalcommons.law.seattleu.edu%2Fsjsj%2Fvol1%2Fiss1%2F7&utm_medium=PDF&utm_campaign=PDFCoverPages

King, M. L. (1963, April 16). Letter from a Birmingham Jail [King, Jr.]. The Africa Center. Retrieved September 8, 2024, from https://www.africa.upenn.edu/Articles_Gen/Letter_Birmingham.html

Putnam, R. (1995, January). Bowling Alone: America's Declining Social Capital. Journal of Democracy, 6(1), 65 - 78. https://www.historyofsocialwork.org/1995_Putnam/1995,%20Putnam,%20bowling%20alone.pdf

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[drifter2lnxpls]

The NCO Creed; Creed of the Non-Commissioned Officer, words that I lived by when I wore the uniform and lead Soldiers. From the moment I heard of #VanessaGuillen and her story, I felt betrayed not only by the system but by the Seniors who who could have done something about her situation before her tragic death. This is a prime example of how today’s Non-Comissioned Officers are more concerned about making rank to make the pay versus making the rank to develop and mentor and protect young Soldiers. Worse than that, it’s an example of how things tend to swept under the rug while ignoring the cries of a Soldier for help. ONE TIME IS ONE TIME TOO MANY! May the all mighty embrace this angel and her family, may their hearts be comforted while those responsible for this receive the ultimate punishment not just here but in the afterlife. Nobody deserves this, much less those risking their lives to protect us all. Rest in Paradise young Soldier, I vow to to make your story heard. #UnitedForJustice🇺🇸🇲🇽 #JusticeForGuillen #RestInPeacePFCGuillen #HonoringOurFallen #BigSergTheCutman #RetiredArmyVeteran🇺🇸 @usarmy (at Apple Valley, California) https://www.instagram.com/p/CCLxZDhF8vP/?igshid=1teklkasas9z2

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[diannvalentine]

It was only about two weeks ago when I told my friends @iamaprildaniels @shereefletcher @ilovesandracampbell and @msrocc68 that we had to do something. They re-arranged their lives, interrupted their holiday schedules and called on everyone they knew so that we could make a difference and sow into the family of Eric Garner. I knew I could not do it alone but I also knew that I could do anything with my sisters. God always sends people into your life when you need them and He knew I needed these chicks. I hope our efforts will inspire you to be equally passionate about what is happening in this moment in time in the US because we all have the power to change the course of history! #UnitedForJustice #BlackLivesMatter #AllLivesMatter #womenOnAssignment #WomenNeedWomen #WhenOneFamilyHurtsWeAllHurt #DVDidIt

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Such an Amazing event last night! United for Justice @theegoogoo @shereefletcher @imericampbell @nowthatsmajor #unitedforjustice #ericgarner #blackempowerment #blacklivesmatter #riseup #supporteachother

[oohlaniece]

Last night many came out to support a great cause #UnitedForJustice #blackLivesMatter with @diannvalentine @jamaalbuster @shereefletcher #photographer #blogger #media #press #fblogger #eblogger #publicist #blogger #media #press #fblogger #eblogger #publicist #nyctola (at Hotel Angeleno)

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LOS ANGELES: #repost from @daphnewayans Come out & support with me and my friends as we stand #UnitedForJustice we would love to meet you!! @ShereeFletcher @maytejannell @nikimurphy @shamicka_lawrence @tamarbraxtonher @bigshiz @mclyte @cindyvirani @missdunnieo @tichinaarnold @officialomarosa @shannamoakler @msrocc68 @diannvalentine @iamaprildaniels @damonthomas18 @tamekaraymond @mechelleepps @meredithadkins @pjnorton @kortnimorton @warryncampbell @bondselizabeth

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[pinkphoenix526]

For my #LA folks... #UNITEDForJustice #fundraiserforEricGarnersFamily #love

[tiwaworks]

No a black picture won't change the verdict just as a pink ribbon won't cure #cancer ! It's called #SUPPORT #unitedforJustice #Trayvonmartin #Blackout #pinkribbon

[katesomers]

Light the Way to Justice Vigil, March 26, 2013, Harrisburg Division Federal Building & Courthouse, Harrisburg PA.

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#togetherstrong #unitedforjustice #togetherwestand #rainbow #pride #equality #respect #love #inspiration #paint #sandiego #community #movement #instafun #instamood #instagood #picoftheday #artsy