April 15 – Cultivating Fairness

“Concerns about technology and fairness go back a long way, even from a legal perspective. For example, as early as the 1970s it was illegal under French law to make any decisions affecting human beings in a purely algorithmic manner—that is, without any human supervision.” Aileen Nielsen

Fairness is a complex and multifaceted concept. From self-compassion to global justice, its ripples influence every aspect of our lives. By nurturing fairness within ourselves, our relationships, and our communities, we build a more just and equitable world for all.

The journey to fairness starts with us. David Bodanis in The Art of Fairness argues that "the path to greatness doesn't require crushing displays of power or tyrannical ego. Simple, fair decency can prevail." Treating ourselves with fairness means:

Self-Compassion - Acknowledging our limitations and mistakes without harsh self-criticism.

Balanced Self-Care - Prioritizing our physical and mental well-being without neglecting our responsibilities.

Setting Healthy Boundaries - Knowing when to say no and respecting our own needs.

By taking care of ourselves, we build a strong foundation for fairness in our relationships.

Fairness is the cornerstone of healthy relationships. It involves:

Reciprocity - A balanced exchange of effort and consideration. This doesn't mean keeping strict score, but an overall sense of give-and-take. Imagine a couple where one enjoys cooking while the other prefers cleaning. A fair approach is dividing household chores in a way that works for both.

Open Communication - Expressing needs and concerns honestly while actively listening to the other person's perspective.

Conflict Resolution - Addressing disagreements constructively and working towards solutions that benefit everyone involved.

Fair communities provide equal access to resources and opportunities for all members, regardless of background. This means:

Fair Representation - Policies and decisions that reflect the needs and concerns of all residents.

Equal Access to Education and Healthcare - Ensuring everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

Community Investment - Resources are directed towards programs that benefit the entire community, not just a select few.

When communities strive for fairness, everyone benefits.

“Fairness is like a multifaceted gem. Its appearance can vary, depending on the angle of the beholder.” Roshani Chokshi

On a global scale, fairness translates to international justice and human rights. This means:

Fair Trade Practices - Ensuring producers in developing countries receive a fair price for their goods.

Addressing Global Poverty - Working towards solutions that alleviate poverty and promote sustainable development.

Respect for Human Rights - Protecting the fundamental rights of all people, regardless of nationality, religion, or ethnicity.

By promoting fairness on a global scale, we create a world where everyone has a chance to live a dignified life.

As Bodanis suggests, "fairness in the three domains everyone has to deal with" – listening, giving, and defending – is a learnable skill.  It requires:

Open-mindedness - Challenging our own biases and being willing to see things from other perspectives.

Critical Thinking - Questioning the status quo and advocating for a more just society.

Persistence - Overcoming obstacles and setbacks in the pursuit of fairness.

Fairness is not a destination, it's a journey. There will always be challenges and injustices to overcome. But by working together and embracing the principles of fairness, we can create a brighter future for ourselves and generations to come.

Remember, "these ideals [of fairness] really can guide us to impressive results." The path to fairness may not be easy, but as B. Janet Hibbs observes in Try to See It My Way, "fairness takes work," and the rewards are worth the effort. By injecting this essential ingredient into all aspects of our lives, we can build a world where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to reach their full potential.

Activities:

"Fair Share" Game: Divide a pile of resources (candy, tokens, etc.) unevenly among players. Players then discuss and negotiate a fair way to redistribute the resources.

"Ethical Dilemma" Card Game: Create or purchase a card game that presents ethical dilemmas and requires players to discuss and debate fair solutions.

In today's increasingly digital world, it's easy to lose sight of what makes us human. The constant bombardment of screens and social media can distract us from cultivating essential qualities like kindness, empathy, and resilience.

My book, Nurturing Hopeful Resilience,  guides parents and caregivers through the challenges of raising children in a technology-driven age. It explores the importance of instilling strong values in children from a young age to help them develop into compassionate, responsible, and fulfilled individuals.

Through a series of practical exercises and insightful reflections, this book delves into fourteen core values: curiosity, awareness, kindness, learning, self-awareness, fairness, playfulness, compassion, service, belonging, trustworthiness, authenticity, community, and responsibility. Understanding and nurturing these values can empower our children to thrive in a complex and ever-changing world.

This book offers a roadmap for raising children who are academically successful, emotionally intelligent, socially adept, and morally grounded. It encourages readers to prioritize human connection, empathy, and compassion over material possessions and fleeting digital distractions. By embracing the power of values, we can create a brighter future for ourselves and generations to come.