Sometimes we think that being a good person is as simple as being kind to the person standing right in front of us. We focus on individual fairness, making sure we share our snacks or offer a helping hand when someone trips. But Iris Marion Young reminds us of something much deeper and more challenging. She suggests that true justice isn't just about how we treat one another in isolated moments; it is about looking at the very systems and structures that shape our lives. It is about asking if the rules of the game are rigged before the players even step onto the field.

I think about this often when I look at the world around me. It is easy to be fair in a small circle, like a group of friends or a single family. But what happens when the larger systems, like our schools, our workplaces, or our laws, create invisible barriers that make it harder for some people to succeed than others? Even if every individual in that system is acting with kindness, the structure itself can still produce unfairness. Real justice requires us to look up from our immediate surroundings and examine the foundations we are all standing on.

I remember a time when I was helping a friend organize a community garden. On the surface, everything seemed perfectly fair. We had a sign-up sheet, everyone contributed equal hours, and we shared the harvest equally. But as we dug deeper, we realized that the garden was located in a way that made it nearly impossible for neighbors without cars to reach us. Even though our individual intentions were pure and our internal rules were equitable, the structural reality of the location excluded a whole group of people. We had to change our entire approach to ensure the system itself was inclusive.

It can feel overwhelming to think about fixing such large, complex structures. It is much easier to focus on our own small acts of kindness. However, we can start by being mindful of the environments we create. When you are part of a committee, a classroom, or even a small club, take a moment to ask if the way things are organized is truly serving everyone. Are there hidden hurdles that some might face while others glide right through? True healing in our society begins when we move beyond individual politeness and start building much fairer foundations for everyone to thrive.