The Universal Declaration of Human Rights was signed on December 10, 1948, which is why today is always marked as International Human Rights Day. This year's anniversary is even more noteworthy by being the Declaration's 70th year. Signed shortly after the end of World War II and the creation of the United Nations, the Declaration was born out of the deep desire to never again repeat the appalling horrors of Nazi Germany.
Protecting and advancing human rights is even more important now that far-right nationalism, racism, bigotry and propaganda are on the rise again in most of our western democracies, seeking and winning handholds on power.
We must not be taken in and we must not repeat the past!
So more than ever, it's important for all of us to . . .
Scary times. Even here in Andalusia, the fascists have found a small foothold again. May they quickly be gone.
ReplyDeletePUNCH A NAZI TODAY!
ReplyDeleteSad that people so quickly forget the past, or worse even, that they don't believe it happened.
ReplyDeleteyes, I don't think we've ever escaped that sad past, the Nazism is here in the form of America, Obama, Clintons, Bushes have looted, killed and butchered people around the world just like Hitler did, no difference there except that they now have media to indoctrinate their minions into whatever they want to.
ReplyDeleteI will always be "that guy". I may not be tall enough to punch a face, but I can kick Nazis/ Anti-Semites/ Fascists in the knees, easy peasey. :D
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't word it like Dezmond, above, but I agree with him that fascism, to some extent, merely figured out how to put on a happy face and work its ends through the implementation of faceless legal processes.
ReplyDeleteThe new thing is this weird trend towards taking off the cartoon mask in many places and having people outright admit to the seething hatred that we try and keep hidden in polite society.
Letting our children and each other know it's wrong - with no ambiguity - is important. How is this still a thing in 2018?
I would have to say that 'ignorance is NOT bliss'. It is dangerous. Just look at our headlines. How else did we end up with the Toe Jam we have in the White House? We need to keep talking about it - keep bringing it up. We should never forget, let alone repeat, what happened.
ReplyDeleteIt shouldn't be history repeats itself. It should be stupidity repeats itself. Only stupid self-centered animals want to be fascists.
ReplyDeleteIt's discouraging that we have to live through this again. Along with women's rights, gay rights, etc etc etc...
ReplyDeleteEvery so often it looks like the humans of the world are getting better or smarter or more compassionate and then there is a backlash of reactionary hatred. I can only hope that our steps forward outnumber our steps back.
Good post Debra. I think society is on the decline again, just my opinion, that's why I'm moving more and more into seclusion.
ReplyDeleteBy the way, if we were neighbours, you'd LOVE my milkshakes with a little bit of rum cream liqueur in them...I could serve that along side the plum puddin'!!! ;)
Truly poignant and chilling quote about the difference between America and Nazi Germany.
ReplyDeleteThanks for this powerful statement of statements.
Be well and safe, Debra.
I am so short, and don't walk so well. My mind is prepared, though, and I think I could sink a very satisfactory thigh bite, while "this guys" up there did the rest.
ReplyDeleteResist - that's our mantra here in Colorado. Holy Toledo - to post a comment I just got put through an alzheimers test.
ReplyDelete@ Lady M -- Oh, no! Is Blogger being a bastard again and making people do a Word Verification exercise before they can post a comment? Sorry!!! Alas, I have no control over it.
ReplyDeleteIts crazy how some people have literally claimed it didn't happen . Sickening!!Part of me wants to find a secluded cabin and put my head in the sand out of fear from where our country is heading and the other half of me wants to put on armor and go kick ass and protest and whatever hell I can raise for awareness. For now, I have to find a happy medium.
ReplyDeleteHuman Rights: most of the human race didn't get the memo.
ReplyDeletethe Ol'Buzzard
We must be that guy. All of us, especially those who are convinced none of this applies to them. For as well know, they are often the guiltiest of them all.
ReplyDelete70 years of history that could've taught us better. If some of us weren't so absolutely rotten inside.
Still, the second meme made me want to laugh... while, perhaps, screaming a bit.
The world has gone made I personally know people who are becoming this way. Some I may have suspected while others have shocked me. We must not sit back and let this happen. We have to be 'that guy'.
ReplyDeleteIt scary they have followers
ReplyDeleteAnd yet 1/3 of America would kill one third while the last third watches.
ReplyDeleteYes!!! I don't understand hatred at all. It is just bizarre to me.
ReplyDeleteLove the Captain America one.
ReplyDeleteYes, we all have to be that guy!!!
ReplyDeleteThat top cartoon made me laugh, but maybe it should have made me cry instead.
ReplyDeleteEach nation has good and bad dear Debra
ReplyDeleteWorst is that we can see so easily that though most of countries are part of international court of justice but no one is taking notice of States and countries where human rights are being ruined terribly
All know that in the game of power who is pulling the strings