Read the excerpt from the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The U.S. did not immediately ratify the Declaration. What policies and practices within the U.S. conflicted with many of the principles of the Declaration?
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights was spawned after the atrocities committed during World War II. When the actions done by Nazi Germany became apparent after the War, the world community stated that the newly formed United Nations Charter did not fully define the rights it swore to uphold. Then came the Declaration itself, which was approved with flying colors. However, despite the justice and fairness that came with the document, the United States did not immediately approve the Declaration, and has yet to approve the second part even today.
It is a well known fact that even though America preaches about equality, the nation’s actions have not matched its words. Not now, and certainly not decades ago. And even though the founding fathers declared all men had been created equal, the nation they created under that philosophy never stood by that declaration.
In the time the Declaration of Human Rights was written, racial and gender minorities were still struggling to earn the rights outlined in the documents. The second article of the Declaration states that “Everyone is entitled to all the rights and freedoms set forth in this Declaration, without distinction of any kind, such as race, color, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status.” At this point in time, America was still at a stage in which discrimination against all minorities was simply a way of life. Blacks were widely considered unfit for a white society and women were considered unfit to live a “man’s life.” Were America to ratify the document, a few potentially undesirable things may have happened. Either the country would continue as it had and lose the respect of other nations for not following through on their pledge or the government would have to pass legislation to improve the standing of all minorities. And to the average American, of course, that could not be allowed to happen, lest the country be infested with the less fit. Sadly, this is a mindset that is still around to this very day, and doesn't really seem to be fading much at all.
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The comparison between the time this was written and the present day is very well done. States your point clearly. Good job!
ReplyDeleteGood reaction. I like the passion. You should also include legislation that exemplifies the hypocrisy of "American Freedom".
ReplyDeleteA few article references would have been great, but the information stated is good! Good passion in your writing.
ReplyDeleteI like how you commented on the fact racial discrimination in a America was a way of life that was difficult to overcome by simple legislation.
ReplyDeletenice introduction. I like how gave background information about how the declaration came about and the reasons behind it.
ReplyDeleteI like your article...i completely agree with what you said about how the founding fathers and the nation never stood by their "created equal" philosophy.
ReplyDeleteI like your little background explanation about why this document was made in the first place and I like how you said that even though the founding fathers stated that all men were created equal, it never held any truth.
ReplyDeleteGreat article. I like your explanations and opinions you give.
ReplyDeleteGood job, I agree with how you pointed out the hypocrisy of America touting it's ''Freedom'' and ''Equality'' but doing little to ensure it to all its citizens.
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