2008 Woodie Awards
Human rights day to offer opportunity to ponder issues at home
Alexander Aman
Issue date: 12/10/07 Section: Soap Box
Dec. 10, 2007 marks the 59th International Human Rights Day (IHRD). I challenge us all to know and remember this day and to work to expand our understanding of human rights and the struggles to support them.
Dignitaries and policymakers will reaffirm their resolve and TV news shows will highlight conditions around the world, as they have done in past years. In 2005, the U.S. government made a public statement that, "the United States salutes those around the world who struggle to defend, protect and promote the fundamental freedoms that are the birthright of all mankind."
This year we find ourselves in a time of seemingly endless international unrest in places like Pakistan, Myanmar, Sudan, Iraq and in the streets of France. Few can, or will, deny the value of shining light on these situations and struggling to discover and prevent human rights abuses worldwide. On the other hand, some would say we do not need to look far.
It can be difficult to realize that looking and seeing are not the same. Can we see what is in our backyard? It takes a lot of strength and humility to see what many would not acknowledge. Days like International Human Rights Day exist, however, so that we might challenge ourselves to find that strength.
I challenge us to look to New Orleans, La. and see what is there.
How long has it been since residents of New Orleans had their lives swept away in the torrent of a manmade disaster? How long has it been since you heard about the displaced New Orleans residents on the news? How long would you wait for help that might never come?
Pre-Hurricane Katrina there were approximately 5,200 families in public housing in addition to 2,000 low-income units temporarily vacant due renovations. There are now only 1,600 families in public housing.
Why? Did they not want to come back? Maybe the answer can be found in the stories of residents shoveling mud and debris out of their homes while risking arrest for "trespassing." Or in tales of New Orleans residents being refused aid because they need federally accepted ID and the only copies they have are their birth certificates buried in the mud in the apartment they are not allowed back into.
Dignitaries and policymakers will reaffirm their resolve and TV news shows will highlight conditions around the world, as they have done in past years. In 2005, the U.S. government made a public statement that, "the United States salutes those around the world who struggle to defend, protect and promote the fundamental freedoms that are the birthright of all mankind."
This year we find ourselves in a time of seemingly endless international unrest in places like Pakistan, Myanmar, Sudan, Iraq and in the streets of France. Few can, or will, deny the value of shining light on these situations and struggling to discover and prevent human rights abuses worldwide. On the other hand, some would say we do not need to look far.
It can be difficult to realize that looking and seeing are not the same. Can we see what is in our backyard? It takes a lot of strength and humility to see what many would not acknowledge. Days like International Human Rights Day exist, however, so that we might challenge ourselves to find that strength.
I challenge us to look to New Orleans, La. and see what is there.
How long has it been since residents of New Orleans had their lives swept away in the torrent of a manmade disaster? How long has it been since you heard about the displaced New Orleans residents on the news? How long would you wait for help that might never come?
Pre-Hurricane Katrina there were approximately 5,200 families in public housing in addition to 2,000 low-income units temporarily vacant due renovations. There are now only 1,600 families in public housing.
Why? Did they not want to come back? Maybe the answer can be found in the stories of residents shoveling mud and debris out of their homes while risking arrest for "trespassing." Or in tales of New Orleans residents being refused aid because they need federally accepted ID and the only copies they have are their birth certificates buried in the mud in the apartment they are not allowed back into.
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