1. Social Comparison
Humans tend to compare themselves to others. When they see others experiencing good fortune, success, or an ease of life that they don't, they feel "why not me?" or "why is their life easier?" Social media often exacerbates this, as people tend to only share the positive aspects of their lives, creating the illusion that others are always happy and successful.
2. Unmet Expectations and Hopes
We often have our own standards of fairness or certain expectations about how the world should work. For example, if we believe that hard work always leads to success, we may be disappointed and feel unfair when we see people who put in less effort achieve better results. Life doesn't always follow a simple formula, as other factors such as chance, environment, and decisions influence the final outcome.
3. Subjective Perception of Fairness
What is considered "fair" can be highly subjective. Fairness doesn't necessarily mean that everyone gets the same things, but rather that everyone gets what they deserve based on their efforts, needs, or even luck. However, this definition can be vague and vary from person to person. Individual perceptions are influenced by internal factors (such as physical condition, past experiences, motivation, and psychological state) as well as external factors (environment, social interactions, and physical objects).
4. Experiences of Actual Injustice
There are many forms of actual injustice in society that can trigger these feelings:
* Marginalization: Individuals or groups are ignored or isolated from society or important resources (for example, because of race, religion, ethnicity, or economic status).
* Dominance/Subordination: One group or individual dominates or places another in a subordinate position, limiting their access to opportunities and rights.
* Stereotyping and Discrimination: Negative judgments or unfair treatment based on certain characteristics (race, gender, religion, sexual orientation).
* Economic and Social Inequality: Inequality in the distribution of wealth, income, access to education, healthcare, and employment opportunities.
* Injustice in Law Enforcement: Cases of corruption, lack of professionalism in law enforcement officers, or discrimination within the legal system.
* Gender Injustice: Differences in treatment or opportunities based on gender, often reinforced by patriarchal culture.
5. Limited Understanding and Information
Sometimes, we only see a small part of the big picture. We may not know the struggles or problems others face behind their successes. Likewise, in a broader context, our limited understanding of the complexities of social, economic, or even fate systems can make us feel the world is random or unfair.
6. Feelings of Hurt, Anger, and Frustration
When someone feels cornered, belittled, slandered, or treated unfairly, it can trigger strong emotions such as anger and frustration. The perception of injustice is a primary trigger for anger, where individuals interpret what they experience according to their own perceptions.
Overall, the feeling that the world is unfair is a combination of social comparison, unrealistic expectations, perceptual subjectivity, and the lived experience of structural and interpersonal injustice. This is a human response to the discrepancy between the ideals of justice and the often challenging realities of life.
Living in a world that feels unfair can be incredibly draining both mentally and physically. However, creating justice for yourself amidst injustice is a process that focuses on self-control, perspective, and empowering action. It's not about changing the entire world, but rather about changing how we interact with it and with ourselves.
Here are some strategies to create justice to own self
1. Accept and Acknowledge Your Emotions
The first step is to validate your feelings. It's natural to feel angry, sad, or frustrated when faced with injustice. Don't suppress or ignore these emotions. Allow yourself to feel them, then try to understand what triggered them. Journaling or talking to a trusted person can be very helpful in processing these emotions. This is the foundation for building inner peace.
2. Focus on What You Can Control
Many things in this world are beyond our control. Trying to change something that can't be changed will only lead to frustration. Shift your focus to the things you can truly control, such as:
* Your reaction: How you choose to respond to a situation.
* Your action: What you can do to improve the situation or protect yourself.
* Your Mindset: How you perceive and interpret events.
* Your Circle of Influence: The people and environments you choose to surround yourself with.
3. Practice Self-Compassion
When the world feels unfair, we tend to be harder on ourselves. Counter this tendency by being kind and understanding toward ourselves, just as you would be kind to a friend who is struggling.
* Treat yourself with kindness: Avoid excessive self-blame for things that are not your fault.
* Recognize common humanity: Remember that everyone faces challenges and setbacks. You are not alone in facing adversity.
* Practice mindfulness: Acknowledge your feelings without judging or dwelling on them. Allow space for emotions, but maintain balance.
4. Adjust Expectations and Perspective
Sometimes, feelings of unfairness arise from our unrealistic expectations of how the world should work.
* Accept uncertainty: Understand that life is full of uncertainty and doesn't always go according to plan. Accepting this reality can reduce emotional burden.
* Look for the positive or lesson: Even if it's difficult, try to find the silver lining or lesson in an unfair experience. This doesn't mean justifying injustice, but rather finding ways to grow from it.
* Don't compare yourself: Avoid excessively comparing yourself to others, especially on social media. Focus on your own journey and values.
5. Take Empowering Actions
While you can't change all injustices, you can take small, empowering steps:
* Improve yourself: Focus on developing yourself, your skills, and your health. This will increase your confidence and ability to face challenges.
* Set boundaries: Protect yourself from people or situations that are consistently harmful or unfair. Learn to say "no" and distance yourself when necessary.
* Participate in small changes: If possible, participate in small efforts to create justice in your community, such as by speaking up or supporting groups that advocate for justice. This can provide a sense of purpose.
* Seek support: Talking with friends, family, a mentor, or even a therapist can provide perspective, emotional support, and strategies for coping with feelings of injustice.
6. Practice Gratitude
While it may seem counterintuitive, finding things to be grateful for in the midst of adversity can help shift focus and improve mental well-being. This isn't to ignore injustice, but to balance perspective and avoid sinking into despair.
Creating justice for yourself in an unjust world is an ongoing journey. It requires patience, self-reflection, and a commitment to caring for your mental and emotional health.