20th February is UN World Day of Social Justice

Whose side are YOU on?!

Questions/to do:

1. Describe and comment the picture above (give it a title!).
2. Is the Joker bad or just mad (to what extent is he responsible for his actions)?
3. Can Superman do no wrong in his fight for justice?
4. Contrast how Superman sees the world with how the Joker does.
5. To what extent does the real world resemble the comic book world?
6. Do YOU fight injustice (how)?!

Editorial cartoon showing Ban Ki-moon

Quotes from United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon's message for the 2014 World Day of Social Justice :

"The gap between the poorest and the wealthiest around the world is wide and growing..."

"We must do more to:

• empower individuals through decent work;
• support people through social protection;
• ensure the voices of the poor and marginalised are heard."

Questions/to do:

1. What are the main problems facing the world today according to you (which are the most urgent, and which are the most "solvable")?
2. What criticism is the cartoonist making of Ban?
3. Translate the quotes above into French (define "gap" and "empower").
4. Who is the "we" Ban mentions?
5. What does he mean by "decent work"?
6. What social protection measures are there in your country?
7. How can "the voices of the poor" be better listened to do you think?

The haves and the have nots...

Assignment 1:

1. What do you think every human being deserves?
2. What is "social justice" (give your definition first before researching)?
3. Why is there so much injustice in the world?
4. Write a short article for your school webzine entitled: "How I will make the world a fairer place!"

Dr Ironfist... a (super)hero for our times?

Assignment 2:

1. Who are the people (famous or not) you associate with the fight for social justice?
2. Compile a list of your favourite protest songs.
3. Think up a slogan, draw a cartoon or design a pictogram to raise awareness about social (in)justice.