Human Rights Day

The fact that I am able to stand up for global human rights on my one and only birthday is truly valuable. Here are some background information regarding this special day: According to the United Nations, human rights are “inherent to all human beings, regardless of race, sex, nationality, ethnicity, language, religion, or any other status.” However, our world seems too far away from the perfect, ideal society the UN seeks; there have been countless issues of violating the standard regarding human rights so far. There is a myriad of minorities who are considered as the “abnormality” in society, such as differently-abled people. Regardless of the minority’s desire, the majority of the people do not accept their “unintentional” differences and continue to ignore them.

Though it is notable that people have recognized the significance of embracing equity in our world, we still tend to mutually, and unconsciously judge or even presume other people based on how that person fits into social norms. This further aggravates the existing stereotypes/frames deeply rooted in our minds, which have become obvious now.

For example, if a differently-abled musician performs above the “expectations” of stereotypical differently-abled people. Then people would commonly regard his/her skill as “excellent despite their discomfort”, although the musician is hoping to be recognized solely based on their true ability and effort.

I, as a supporter of differently-abled people, would like to question every individual in the society: Would you still have said that even if you were the musician?

Let us include the minorities and take steps towards nurturing a more friendly community for them.