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Note: The following piece was authored by Dr. Pearlette Springer, Providence Associate, as part of the 22nd JUSTus Podcast.
“Restorative justice says ‘No, the offense affected a relationship’ and what you are seeking for is to restore the relationship, to heal the relationship.” – Desmond Tutu
I was binging on a television series when I heard the song, “We Don’t Need Another Hero“. And I said to myself, “That’s it. We do not need another hero; we just need access to what is beyond the Thunderdome”. Confusing? Let me explain …
The Mad Max movie series includes a movie titled “Mad Max: Beyond Thunderdome”. The series itself is full of violent resistance, vengeance, and punishment- very similar to how we understand justice, equality, and fairness through the lens of the federal government. We look at justice, fairness, and equality as essential components of a just society. But my question continues to be that if this were true, why do we need social justice or restorative justice?
The recognized foundation of our legal system and laws is that justice is the fair and impartial treatment of individuals (Justice = Fairness + Equality). Therefore, fairness is treating individuals equally and impartially, without discrimination or bias, thereby promoting equality by treating everyone the same, regardless of their individual needs. Yet, we know, and we have experienced that there is no impartiality. There is plenty of discrimination and bias. Not everyone is treated the same, nor do they receive the same resources.
In this 1985 fictional story, the Mad Max movie series begins as society deteriorates due to resource loss in the early 2000s. In the “Beyond Thunderdome” movie, the people and resisters are living in abject poverty and realize that there must be a better life beyond the Thunderdome. And they are being kept from this by the government, per se. In the movie, there is ongoing violent resistance against the status quo, in an attempt to reach the other side. To reach a place where life is sustainable.
As we know now, this did not happen. The good thing is that this writer’s vision of society in the 21st century did not come to fruition. Yet, we still struggle to achieve social justice.
As a society, we propose social justice, not blind justice. Social justice is a broader concept than legal systems of laws that focuses on repairing harm by punishing. However, to achieve social justice, I think we first need to consider restoring relationships with each other. Like with most warm-blooded animals, human beings are hardwired for connecting with and to each other. To survive and thrive, we need food, shelter, clothing, and strong and meaningful relationships.
So, we turn to restorative justice and restorative practices as a means to repair the harm we have done to each other. But … What exactly is restorative justice?
A Voluntary and Safe Process
According to the Catholic Mobilizing Network, restorative justice is a voluntary and safe process that brings together people affected by harm. From a Catholic perspective, restorative justice aligns with Catholic Social Teaching by recognizing that every person has inherent dignity and the right to be part of processes and systems that impact them.
Therefore, restorative practices, according to The International Institute for Restorative Practices, look at the ways we can strengthen our relationships with each other and within our communities. Restorative practices can be used to resolve conflicts, mend the relationship between victim and perpetrator, bridge gaps, facilitate dialogue between groups, and build and maintain effective group collaboration.
Principles of Restorative Justice
There are five basic principles to restoring relationships and repairing harm: accessibility, neutrality, safety, restoration, and voluntarism. All five principles must be in play for restoration of relationships and repairing of harm to take place. The principle of accessibility means that everyone should and needs to have equal and equitable access to restorative practices. And that each and every one, no matter what the differences, will be acknowledged, recognized, and accepted.
The principle of neutrality means that the restoration process is free of discrimination and bias. Everyone involved is on the same level and are equals, no matter what their education or socioeconomic status. The principle of neutrality also recommends that the process be mediated by a neutral party. However, in some cases, such as the topic of race and ethnic relationships, finding a neutral party will be difficult. But the process should not be halted because of this. Delaying the process because of the lack of a neutral party can create more harm.
The principle of safety works hand-in-hand with the principle of neutrality. The process of restoring harm should take place in a space where all parties feel safe and free of threats, discrimination, and bias. Having a neutral party helps with determining what this safe space looks like and where.
The principle of voluntarism means that the restoration of the relationship cannot happen unless all parties involved agree to engage in repairing harm. If the restorative process is mandated or required, then the process is no longer restorative. Another aspect of voluntarism is that all the parties have to commit to the process fully. This would mean a commitment to honesty and open-mindedness. If one person refuses to fully engage in the process, it is no longer restorative.
The final principle is restoration. The intent of the process must be focused on repairing harm. Aligning with the principle of voluntarism, honesty is required. Without honesty, it becomes a false restoration.
Becoming Self-Aware
To fully understand and engage restorative justice and restorative practices, I think we first need to become self-aware of our cultural way of being. Social scientists have broken culture down into two primary categories: individualism and collectivism. Kendra Cherry states that Individualistic cultures stress the needs of the individual over the needs of the group.
Collectivist cultures, on the other hand, stress the importance of group and social collaboration. In other words, individualistic cultures focus on completing tasks that serve the needs of the individual, whereas collectivist cultures focus on relationships and the good of the whole community.
Moving from an individualistic mindset of task completion to a collectivist mindset of relationships is a radical change. Thus, the beginnings of reaching our goal of social justice. A just society with accessibility, equity, diversity, human rights, and participation.
For me, social justice is what will be found beyond the thunderdome.
“Beyond Thunderdome”
Out of the ruins, out from the wreckage. Can’t make the same mistake this time. We are the children. The last generation. We are the ones they left behind. And I wonder when we are ever gonna change. Living under the fear, ’til nothing else remains. We don’t need another hero. We don’t need to know the way home. All we want is life beyond Thunderdome.
— Theme Song for “Mad Max: Beyond Thunderdome”, written by Terry Britten and Graham Hamilton Lyle
Restorative Practices in Action
Restorative justice focuses on building community and strengthening relationships by fostering connection and dialogue. In December, the Providence Health Care Staff put on a holiday meal for the residents of Lourdes Hall, complete with all manner of homemade dishes, desserts and even some practical gifts.
Enjoying home-cooked food and one another’s company was the best gift of all.
Providence Associate Pearlette Springer was born and raised in Gary, Indiana, as one of eight children. She serves as coordinator of Black Catholic Ministry for the Archdiocese of Indianapolis. Pearlette was on the Sisters of Providence’s anti-racism team and is currently chair of the Pax Christi USA anti-racism team (PCART). She has an undergraduate degree in African and African American Studies and a master’s degree in Theology. Presently, she is working towards a doctorate in Family Studies and Strategic Interventions. She is passionate about the intersection of social justice and racial diversity.
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