In 2019, my New Year’s Resolution was to actively involve myself more in university life and the programs that I have the privilege to be a part of. I will begin my reflection on justice blog entry series by discussing why I wish to do this and what inspired me to take part in this program, along with talking about China’s recently introduced social credit system and the underlying religious discrimination involved.
I wish to take a part in the Brennan Justice program because I feel it is essential for someone who wishes to become part of the legal system as a practitioner to understand the holistic purpose of justice, and to understand the more disadvantaged groups in society that need to be helped. I have always had an interest in justice and the social issues of the world that shapes the way society behaves, and I believe studying the law shines a light on the institutionalised patterns of human nature. The evolution of technology and the advancements of more progressive ideas has brought about the same injustices in a subtler manner, as demonstrated by the social credit system introduced in China.
When I was first introduced to the idea of a social credit system, it was through watching an episode of Black Mirror. This is a popular Netflix series where each episode is set in a future dystopian universe and strange concepts are introduced, such as a social credit system or the ability to play video games through a microchip inserted into the brain. The episode titled “Nosedive” follows the life story of a woman who is desperately trying to impress the world to prove herself worthy of being a member of the higher ranked social classes in society. A few events happen which see the demise of her score and as a result she becomes an outcast of society.
Little did I know that a couple of months later my father would be telling me about a similar situation occurring today. I listened in shock as he explained that citizens in China were now able to rate each other’s level of “trustworthiness”, and this data would determine whether people could purchase air or train travel, or even apply for senior positions at various companies. This immediately reminded me of the Black Mirror episode that I had watched a while ago and discarded as a possible idea, but now was facing it as a reality. How scary.
Reflections on Justice 