Humanity, Human Rights and Social Justice: An Introduction and Why We Should Care

Webster's dictionary defines "humanity" as "the quality or state of being human." But what exactly is being human? Well walking on 2 legs, having opposable thumbs, and a greater IQ than the rest of the mammals on earth are definitely important qualities to being human, but what about deep inside? What, emotionally, mentally, and physically makes us humans, humans?

Human rights are the basic and moral rights humans are entitled to have such as security, freedom, the pursuit of happiness, and liberties. Human rights movements emphasize the importance of these rights and why we should care about one another. Human rights groups from Amnesty International to the UNRWA stress the importance of supporting and helping the well-being of others who are denied their human rights from current issues in the Middle East and Eastern Europe to human trafficking, ethnic genocide, female infanticide and gendercide, and many other pressing issues. Human rights activists are known for exposing the injustices and crimes of the world, taking to the streets in protest, signing petitions, and sending aid to various places that need it.

Social justice is a smaller but still a very important part of human rights and is defined as promoting a just and equal society where everyone can contribute. Well known social justice advocates such as feminists and LGBTQ+ supporters emphasize the importance of equality and challenge societal norms.

To be a human rights advocate, the first step you need to take is to care. In my own opinion, as humans, many of us undermine the concept of humanity, but when you take a step back and look at the whole picture, helping and caring for the well-being of others is a very important part of it.

The second step to being a human rights advocate is to rethink and challenge the culture around us. Our society has been built by oppression, superiority over others, racial and sexual inequality, and war and genocide. It is time to take down those building blocks and start from the beginning again, this time the right way.

The third and most important step is to stand up for what you believe in. If justice is your message, never let others, whether they're family, friends, teachers, co-workers, or classmates, bring you down. Whether it's spreading and promoting your message through art, protests, blogging, or even Twitter, you will always have people disagreeing with you. The important thing to do is to not let them bring you down and continue fighting for your message to be heard.

So, back on humanity. Humans can be incredible, wicked, evil, yet generous, kind, and thoughtful people. Throughout the year, both crimes against humanity and acts of humanity will be written on this blog. It is up to you and I as readers and humans to find out why people do this, how we can help people who are suffering, and how we can prevent history from repeating itself like it has so many times in the past.