Module no. ECED7003 Rhiannon Osborne 9901198 An introduction to human rights: Activity 1 Are human rights universal across the world? Simply answered, no human rights are not universal. ‘Human rights are basic rights and freedoms that belong to every human from birth to death regardless of race, culture’ etc, (Equality and human rights commission, 2019 p.1). Chakrabarti (2016) talks about health care, privacy, safety, law, education and the workplace, she believes that all individuals should be treated equally and decisions surrounding human rights should be made on the basis of what is fair not on race or gender identify. These rights are fixed and non-negotiable, unless they somehow challenge the human rights of others through issues regarding law or safety. What does Shami Chakrabarti mean when she says, our rights are under attack? The right to protection under the universal declaration of human rights, something that was universally agreed. This has been developed and made lawful but is still being challenged. Chakrabarti (2016) discusses unlawful imprisonment, violence, surveillance, the right to life and freedom. Politics, culture and social constructs, contribute to the breach of human rights. We still see colour of skin, gender and sexuality among other things stealing the rights off members of these groups. Unless we all abide by these fundamental rights we will continue to witness, rape, pay difference, convictions without proper proceedings, violence and other unfair treatments of those that do not conform to the assumed norms. Why are human rights important? Human rights provide an essential platform from where all individuals can satisfy basic needs such as food, housing and education. When human rights are not adhered to, as individuals we feel ‘badly treated, discriminated against or humiliated’. (Equality and Human Rights Commission, 2019 p.1). Without the legislation that makes human rights lawfully enforceable individuals would not be able to defend themselves against abuse or mistreatment that is sometimes demonstrated by those who consider themselves more important or more powerful. This poses problematic for poorer people and minorities within society who are not always able to access the support needed (The Guardian, 2009). An instant breach of human rights that should not exist. Gay marriage; Inclusion or condonement. By Rhiannon Osborne Issues surrounding gender identity and the rights of people who deviate from the norms has become common discourse, along with the topic of gay marriage. To paraphrase Conrad (2014), is the acceptance of universal gay marriage a positive foot forward or a promotion of the violation of human rights? Marriage as a traditional convention defines family and what is considered normal practice between heterosexual male and females, lawfully defined gay marriage provides inclusion into this desired norm. In America marriage comes with benefits such as health care where in comparison Canada and the UK offer health care without the need to be married (Conrad 2014). Is it not fair to say then that those who are not married are discriminated against? Rich (2009) suggests gay marriage makes individuals, who deviate from traditional gender roles, normal and allows them access to full citizenship. Do we therefore start from a position of partial inclusion? (Rich, 2009, cited in Conrad 2014). The notion that gay people must be married to secure access to certain things is detrimental to human rights. All individuals should be accepted as normal and equal to other human beings regardless of gender identity. Assuming that being married allows a person to be a full member of society, with full benefits suggest that those who are not married somehow start with the glass half full (Conrad 2014). Kitzinger and Wilkinson (2006) put forward the argument that if marriage were universal then we would no longer keep referring to ‘gay marriage’, marriage would just be marriage of two people regardless of gender (Kitzinger and Wilkinson, 2006, cited in Clarke et al. 2010). It is fair to say that defining marriage in any way prohibits some, such as those identifying as anything other than gay or heterosexual, from being treated equally. Those that choose to identify as ‘gay’ should not have to be married to get the health care needed or be protected from violence or unfair treatment in law. As Chakrabarti (2016) stated, ‘we all love human rights as long as it is our own human rights that are being respected’. Reference list: BLOG ONE: Conrad, R. (2014) Against Equality: Queer Revolution Not Mere Inclusion. Edinburgh: AK press. Clarke, V., Ellis, Sonja J., Peel E. &Riggs, Damien W. (2010) Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Queer Psychology: An Introduction. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. Equality and Human Rights Commission (2019) ‘What are human rights? https://www.eualityhumanrights.com/en/human-rights/what-are-human-rights (Accessed 15th October 2019). Equality and Human Rights Commission (2019) Human Rights Stories. https://www.equalityhumanrights.com/en/human-rights/what-are-human-rights (Accessed 17th October 2019). https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/libertycentral/2009/jun/19/amnesty-poverty-human-rights (Accessed on 24th October 2019). Chakrabarti. S. (2016) Human Rights in the 21st Century. https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=38&v=21hYFWDGdhI (Accessed 25th October 2019). Feminism and Human Rights: Activity 2 Why do you think women are treated differently from men? History highlights how biological differences between men and women were essential for survival (Adichie 2010). Development from the historical position has seen decisions surrounding women and their roles and positions in society dominated by men. In some countries, genocide literally controls how many women live or die (Davies 2013). There are socially constructed belief systems of culture and norms around the world that have defined traditional gender differences. It could be said that women take on certain roles because of these deeply engrained norms and the fact that the effort needed to challenge them is just to great (BBC4 2010). What do you think Sue Lloyd-Roberts means when she, at the end of the extract, that maybe women shouldn’t compete in the workplace? Research carried out by the Fawcett society (2017) suggests women encounter discrimination, unequal caring responsibilities, a divided labour market and senior roles dominated by men. Roberts (2016) highlights societies’ assumptions about women as automatic carers and the sacrifices attached to these notions. The inequalities that still exist today fail to challenge the socially constructed traditional female. ‘Can men have it all?’ (Roberts & Morris 2016). This is not a topic that is generally considered. It appears that the sacrifices made in order to pursue a career came with feelings of guilt and regret surrounding family life. We can only assume that it is this internal struggle that posed the question whether women could or should compete (Roberts & Morris 2016). Why should we all be feminists? The women’s liberation movement focused on female oppression and male supremacy. Despite progress many issues still need consideration, issues that some assume no longer exist (Women’s Liberation Movement 2015). These issues effect all genders. Ensuring change involves educating children so that equality just exists and is not questioned. It is sometimes overlooked that men experience inequalities too, such as the need to maintain macho images and supress feelings which causes them to have delicate egos (Adichie 2010). Morgan, during a tv interview replied to a statement saying, ‘” for a human being there is great dignity in just being a human being”’. Maybe this statement is the very reason why we should all be feminists (Women’s Liberation Movement 2015). Feminism: Whose rights? By Rhiannon Osborne Feminism all too often has been misunderstood as a man hating group of women. In its origin it concentrated on women and their right to have abortions, vote and experience pay equality with male counterparts. Over time this has changed, its focus, while still fighting for traditional feminism, surrounds equality of the sexes (Tafoya 2018). Butler possibly suggests universality may be open ended. To put men and women into two defined categories does not allow for any other gender or for differences in culture or religion (Butler 2004). We should not forget that human rights began from a particular time in history, but these rights are not static. We need to address the political and the personal degrading experiences that have impacted women, and all too often are not acknowledged as human rights issues. There is also a need to consider the importance of women’s rights to have control over their own bodies, freedom of sexuality and the prevention of sexual assault and rape in the home. Historically decision making has been dominated by those considered to be the oppressor and the voices of the oppressed have not been heard. To ensure global and universal equality of the sexes a diverse representation of gender, culture and race is needed (Charlotte Bunch transforming human rights from a feminist perspective). Feminist Adichie (2010) asks, how in a world where the percentage of women is slightly higher than men, do inequalities still exist? She believes that the answer lies within education. If we teach children that all human beings are just that, then there would be no violation of human rights. Realization that gender does not determine intelligence, imagination or performance needs to be met. Why should the man always pay for the meal and why are women encouraged to support this idea? Should we not acknowledge that people dictate cultural norms and gender expectations? We must not forget although legislation is changing, men and women are culturally assigned different roles as care givers and breadwinners (Gauntlett 2002). It is by the consideration of these factors we influence real change Reference list: BLOG TWO: Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie (2010) ‘We Should all be feminists’. https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=15&v=hg3umXU_qWc (Accessed on 24th October 2019). Evan Grae Davis (2013) The 3 Deadliest Words in The World- “It’s A Girl”. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qeSYN2c8f_A&t=1s (Accessed on 24th October 2019). Feminism and Gender Roles-Women-BBC4 (2010). https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=14&v=u9v2hcsL5i0 (Accessed on 22nd October2019). https://www.fawcettsociety.org.uk/close-gender-pay-gap (Accessed on 27th October2019). Lloyd-Roberts S. & Morris S. (2016) The War on Women. Simon & Schuster UK Ltd. Documentary on Women’s Liberation Movement (2015). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EOsLjbpHV8M&t=692s (Accessed on 28th October 2019). Feminism=Human Rights, Tafoya A (2018). https://www.theprospectordaily.com/2018/03/19/feminism-human-rights/ (Accessed on 31st 0ctober 2109). Women’s Rights, international feminist perspectives human rights, edited by Julie peters and Andrea Wolper. Transforming human rights from a feminist perspective, Charlotte Bunch. Gauntlett D. Media, Gender and Identity, An introduction. (2002) Routledge. LGBTQI and Human Rights: Activity 3 Why do you think LGBTQI people are treated differently? Although human rights legislation has seen discrimination for non-binary people criminalized in many places, minority groups are still not fully protected. Many gender related crimes go unpunished and some countries still request the execution of gay people, while our engrained cultures still support traditional gender roles and ideas (Marks 2006). Cottrell (2019) talks about her own experiences, and the fear of persecution by the church that parents of LGBTQI families feel when they are told about the gender choices their children have made. She highlights the attitudes surrounding LGBTQI people and the negative impact it has on all involved. Unfortunately, it is not only culture and religion that has a negative impact. Things such as the language on documents asking our gender and the labelling of public conveniences, highlight a society that only caters for traditional male and female. Also, simple misunderstanding, confusion and prejudice surrounding specific genders and their exact definitions have a huge impact on LGBTQI people being treated differently (Clarke et al 2010). Do you believe same sex marriage is good or bad? Why? Legalization of same sex marriage could be thought of as a positive step forward. For some it allows gay people to enter a world of normality, equality and full citizenship where they can access the full benefits of being married such as health care. However, if we look at the institution of marriage it is apparent that it is not straightforward. Nair (n.d.) talks about the opinions of some who believe same sex marriage will improve the lives of gay people. She provokes thought that maybe it is the world that needs to change. Individuals should have access to all benefits regardless of marital status. Surely normalisation of gay people through marriage undermines the rights of individuals to be human beings no matter what their sexual or gender preferences are (Nair, n.d. cited in Conrad, 2014). Consideration of the debate could lead to concluding that on one level this is a good thing but also on another it is not. Does society support LGBTQI rights or not? By Rhiannon Osborne The LGBTQI community, recognised globally and protected under human rights act legislation, still experience atrocities that violate the very rights designed to protect them. The workplace, safe for a majority that identify as traditional male or female, not so safe for those in gender and sexual minorities. Despite legislation employers still resist making crucial changes to ensure gender equality in the workplace and LGBTQI employees report their anxieties and fears about openly sharing the gender choices they make. For some, seeking employment in the first place is a challenge that is hard to overcome (Hume 2018). It is not only in the workplace where discrimination is visible. Mason-Hyde explains her confusion growing up figuring out her own gender. Engrained assumption assigned to gender identity and language used in society makes it hard not to refer to he or she. Constructed norms mean boys and girls are treated differently; we need to know which category a person fits into to know how to treat them (Mason-Hyde 2018). Toilets are one such area of concern. For non-binary gendered people, mistaken gender can cause anxiety, stress and can result in unfair abuse. One simple solution could be to provide gender neutral toilets (Sanghani 2017). This would support the ongoing fight to end unfair treatment and discrimination of those that withdraw from the conventional gender of male and female. Progress has been made since the Stonewall riots where hundreds of people fought back against atrocities inflicted on the LGBTQI community. However, many cultural and constructed norms still need to change. To paraphrase Matilda, A.K.A Matt Bernstein Sycamore (2006) we need to address the policies that are built around birth assigned genders. Administrative institutions should take action to encourage the elimination of gender inequality. Consideration needs to be given to how trans people feel and understand themselves. The groups most likely to see all kinds of oppression are immigrants and the poor. Therefore, it is here where we see the most persecution, discrimination and violation of human rights. A global issue that needs global change. Reference list: Blog Three. Cottrell, S. (2019). Why I chose my LGBTQ daughter over the evangelical church: Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rP01bH9Ljf4 (Accessed on 5th November 2019). Clarke, V., Ellis, Sonja J., Peel E. &Riggs, Damien W. (2010) Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Queer Psychology: An Introduction. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. Marks, Suzanne M. 2006, Health and Human Rights, Global Recognition of Human Rights for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender People. Conrad, R. (2014) Against Equality: Queer Revolution Not Mere Inclusion. Edinburgh: A K Press. Hume, C. (2019) LGBT Workers in Wales Quit Due to Discrimination: Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-44536187 (Accessed 7th November 2019). Mason-Hyde, A. (2018) Toilets, Bowties, Gender and Me: Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NCLoNwVJA-0 (Accessed on 7th November 2019). Sanghani, R. (2017) The Telegraph: Why the UK should ditch male and female toilets for ‘gender neutral’ loos. Available at: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/women/life/why-the-uk-should-ditch-male-and-female-toilets-for-gender-neutr/ (Accessed on 7th November 2019) Mattilda, A.K.A. Sycamore, M. B. (2006) Nobody Passes. Rejecting the Rules of Gender and Conformity. Seal Press.