Students deepen their understanding of the human rights, social, economic, or environmental justice issue which they described and depicted with an artifact with a brief paper with a macro focus on oppression and human rights violations.

1. How does the identified human rights and/or social, economic, and environmental justice issue affect larger populations? Provide description of population (geographic location, culture, historic struggle, etc.) with supporting evidence.

2. How did the interviewee identify with this larger population?

3. Identify and define a theory of human need & desire which applies to this population.

4. Identify and discuss any systemic or structural barriers faced by the identified population.

5. How does (or might) the interviewee experience this barrier? Is there a historical context to this barrier? What efforts have been made to eliminate this barrier in the past?

Data sources will be needed to support the connections made in this part of the project.

PERVIOUS PAPER FOR REFEREANCE

Growing up, the interviewee encountered a complex interplay between her Sicilian-Italian heritage and societal perceptions of race. Despite her European ancestry, her olive-colored skin led her to be excluded from the category of "white". This experience highlights the intersection of identity and human rights, as every individual deserves equal treatment and protection regardless of their ethnicity. The right to be free from discrimination, a fundamental human right, was challenged in her life due to biased perceptions.

Coming from a deeply Catholic family, the interviewee's life was shaped by religious values that emphasized compassion and justice. These principles served as a foundation for her understanding of human rights and social justice. Human rights are "rights we have simply because we exist as human beings, any state does not grant them" (What are human rights, n.d., pg. 1). The teaching of the Church reinforced her belief in the dignity and worth of every individual, driving her to seek justice for herself and others in the face of discrimination.

The interviewee's experiences highlighted the broader context of social and economic justice. Social justice is "justice in terms of the distribution of wealth, opportunities, and privileges within a society" (What is social justice, 2023, pg. 1). In contrast, economic justice is "the idea that the economy will be more successful if it is fairer" (What is economic justice, n.d., pg. 1). She and her family faced challenges in education and employment due to preconceived notions based on their appearance. This touches upon the right to education and the right to work, which encompass equal access to opportunities without discrimination. She and her family's journey underscore the importance of creating inclusive societies that provide equitable chances for advancement, regardless of one's ethnic background.

While not explicitly mentioned in the interview, the concept of environmental justice is also relevant. Environmental justice is "the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, or income, with respect to the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies" (Environmental Protection Agency, n.d., pg. 1). Sicilian communities like many others, have historically faced environmental challenges, often disproportionately impacting marginalized groups. The interviewee's experiences, when viewed through this lens, remind us of the importance of safeguarding communities from environmental hazards and ensuring fair access to clean air, water, and a healthy environment.

The life of this 46-year-old Sicilian-Italian-American woman offers a poignant narrative that intertwines her personal journey with the broader themes of human rights and justice. Her experiences underscore the ongoing struggle for equality and fairness, demonstrating the significance of addressing issues of discrimination and bias that affect individuals from diverse backgrounds. By reflecting on her story, we are reminded of the need to champion human rights and strive for social, economic, and environmental justice for all.