Swetha on Human Rights
As a human being, I am entitled to these rights and it is my responsibility to protect what is mine and fight for it when needed. As somebody who grew up in a secure and comfortable environment, I never gave much thought to this subject. It was hard for me to comprehend and empathize with those who were struggling for even basic rights. When I used to read about instances in Syria or Africa, it was no doubt deeply saddening but it was not enough to motivate me and make me fight for their rights. But the more aware I became, I realized that my own rights are being violated every day. Simple things like forced exposure to passive smoking which violates one’s human right to live in a healthy environment are often neglected. Freedom of expression is curtailed when we have to think twice before saying what we want to and there is gender disparity each time we purchase these flashy magazines objectifying women. Being a passive observer is violating one’s own rights. It’s high time we stood up for ourselves and for others.
