Assignment - Chapter 1 [CPLEA3]

BERDERA JOHN PHILIP P. (A034)

Through brainstorming and discussion, this activity leads participants to define what it means to be
human and to relate human rights to human needs.

PART 1

1. What does it mean to be fully human? How is that different from just "being alive" or
"surviving"?

Being fully human means your mind and your heart meets and agrees. You have the ability
to let down the barriers and challenges and becoming to open up. It is far different from just
"being alive" or "surviving" because you now have the idea what is your purpose in life, why
are you living the way what you are now and how would you overcome problems in the
future. It's more on holistic transformation rather than just only physical and mental
changes.

2. Are all human beings essentially equal? What is the value of human differences?

No one is the same, but all people are essential and important in different ways and
situations. In its spiritual sense, all human beings are valuable and important, however,
differ from physical, physiological, and socio-economic status. That is why there is what we
called human differences. Imagine if all human beings have the same ability, or state of
mind, perhaps, the world we are living will not be beautiful as it is today, or life is
meaningless because one person already know other person's ability, strengths and
weaknesses, even the state of their minds.

3. Can any of our "essential" human qualities be taken from us? For example, only
human beings can communicate with complex language; are you human if you lose
the power of speech?

Definitely, human beings are the highest and the most intelligent species living in this world,
above all things. Thus, we are capable of communicating even the most complex language
ever existed and if we lose this kind of ability, obviously, we might lose the power of being a
human. At the very simple sense, it is no longer valid to call us human beings.

4. What happens when a person or government attempts to deprive someone of

something that is necessary to human dignity?

There will be chaos and war between individuals and the government. Human rights or
simply a human dignity is a necessity, it's never a choice but it's an innate partner of a
 human being that existed after one is born. If a person will be deprived of necessary things
needed for living, well, that person cannot function properly.

5. What would happen if you had to give up one of these human necessities?

There will be a malfunction happening. A person cannot fulfill his duties and responsibilities
towards his family and towards work, one cannot live properly and life would become
miserable.

PART 2

1. Read the comments of Eleanor Roosevelt, Chair of the UN commission that drafted the
UDHR, on the importance of universal human rights standards: Where, after all, do
universal rights begin? In small places, close to home – so close and so small that
they cannot be seen on any maps of the world. Yet they are the world of the
individual person; the neighborhood he lives in; the school or college he attends; the
factory, farm or office where he works. Such are the places where every man, woman,
and child seeks equal justice, equal opportunity, equal dignity without
discrimination. Unless these rights have meaning there, they have little meaning
anywhere. Without concerned citizen action to uphold them close to home, we shall
look in vain for progress in the larger world. Eleanor Roosevelt The Great Question,
1958

2. Discuss this passage:

(a) What do you think Eleanor Roosevelt means by "universal rights"?

In 1958, Eleanor Roosevelt was elected President of the United States. The Universal Declaration of
Human Rights made a significant step forward by declaring that all human beings, regardless of race, creed,
or religion, are free and equal. For the first time, a global pact prioritized people overpower politics.
(b) Some people feel that universal values or standards of behavior are impossible. What do you think?
The values of peace, freedom, social progress, equal rights, and human dignity enshrined in the United
Nations Charter and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights are as relevant today as they were more
than a half-century ago when those documents were drafted by representatives of many different nations
and cultures.
And they were not completely fulfilled in actual human behavior at the time.
Those great papers offered a hopeful vision rather than an assessment of current facts. Let us not forget
that the Soviet Union, at the height of Stalin's tyranny, was among the countries who authored and signed
them, as were other unrepentant colonial regimes.

(c) Why do you think the UN chose the word universal instead of the word international when naming
the UDHR?
Human rights are rights that we have merely by our existence as humans; they are not provided by any
state. These universal rights belong to everyone, regardless of nationality, gender, national or ethnic origin,
color, religion, language, or any other status.
(d) Paraphrase the final sentence of the quotation. What does it say about individual responsibility for
human rights? What do you think Eleanor Roosevelt means by "concerned citizen action to uphold"
rights close to home?
a) Sentence paraphrasing
Citizens should take steps to preserve the rights of individuals living in their immediate vicinity.
b) what it says about individual responsibility for human rights.
Individuals have a responsibility to preserve the rights of people who reside nearby, according to the quote
above. This is because individual rights are inextricably linked to the well-being of their communities.
Individual rights can have a negative influence on the community as a whole if they are not respected. As a
result, residents must take steps to ensure that everyone in their community has equal rights and
protections.
Speaking up when they see someone being treated unfairly is one way citizens can take action to preserve
the rights of others. For example, if a neighbor is being harassed by their landlord, individuals can speak up
on their behalf or assist them in finding a new home. Citizens can also offer their time or money to groups
that assist people who are fighting for their rights. Citizens can contribute to a more just and equitable
society by acting to protect the rights of others.
It's crucial to remember that protecting others' rights should not be the responsibility of a single group or
individual. Everyone has a responsibility to ensure that all members of their community have the same
rights and protections. Citizens can create a more just and equitable world by working together.

c) What Eleanor Roosevelt means when she says "concerned citizen action to defend"
local rights.
Eleanor Roosevelt is implying that individuals have a responsibility to preserve the rights of others who
reside in their immediate vicinity. This is because individual rights are inextricably linked to the well-being
of their communities. Individual rights can have a negative influence on the community as a whole if they
are not respected. As a result, residents must take steps to ensure that everyone in their community has
equal rights and protections.
Speaking up when they see someone being treated unfairly is one way citizens can take action to preserve
the rights of others. For example, if a neighbor is being harassed by their landlord, individuals can speak up
on their behalf or assist them in finding a new home. Citizens can also offer their time or money to groups
that assist people who are fighting for their rights. Citizens can contribute to a more just and equitable
society by acting to protect the rights of others.
It's crucial to remember that protecting others' rights should not be the responsibility of a single group or
individual. Everyone has a responsibility to ensure that all members of their community have the same
rights and protections. Citizens can create a more just and equitable world by working together.
Finally, citizen action to protect rights close to home is critical because it contributes to a more just and
equal society. Everyone has a responsibility to ensure that all members of their community have the same
rights and protections. Citizens can make a good effect in their society by taking action to preserve the
rights of others.