Fairness

There has been much debate and protest about the lack of fairness in the criminal justice systems and the economies of capitalist nations. Money seems to buy preferential treatment in the courts. The rich get special exemptions from paying taxes. 

As long as economies and criminal justice systems are based in a competitive, or bipolar, model, I doubt these systems will bring about fairness for all. For example, a crime is perpetrated against a victim. The process in most criminal justice systems becomes wrapped up in a competition between prosecutors and defense lawyers. The victim's and convicted perpetrator's relative needs or requirements for rehabilitation are generally ignored right from the beginning of the process. The process is one of winning, not finding truth or administering fair justice. 

The issue of money's influence on fairness is more clear-cut. In a world where human beings must still compete to survive within their own species, greed is a normal defense against the fear, whether realistic or not, of deprivation. Capitalism by definition is based in competition for resources, products and capital. It is an extension of the struggle for survival from human beings' ancient past. Social Darwinism is intrinsic to capitalism. There is no fairness in Social Darwinism, if we are to prize mindfulness and compassion. If we accept the assumption that human beings cannot supersede their animal instincts, then Social Darwinism is inevitable and fairness, as conceived by the compassionate mind, is off the table. Discussing it, as politicians often do, is simply hot air.

We are light years away from a fair human society worldwide. However, as a humanist I can practice fairness in my individual lives to the best of my daily ability. This is part of what I call humanist practice. This is a demanding practice. It often requires questioning my own motives at times when my instincts convince my brain that I am in the right. This practice begins with being fair to myself by avoiding black-white decisions and exploring the gray options vigorously. By becoming less competitive (conflicted) within myself, I can be more open to choices which can yield a fair result for myself and those in my environment.