The Mirage of Human Rights

By Elias C. Hill

Henry and Sophia Dixon are a bit surprised when their three childrensixteen-year-old Andrew, fourteen-year-old Mary, and twelve-year-old Grecowant to replace their typical evening bedtime story with a discussion of human rights principles. Henry is a math teacher, and he isnt sure he can add much to the discussions. But he is determined to help his children understand the underpinnings of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

Each night, the family gathers in the living room and listens as Mr. and Mrs. Dixon try to help their kids understand the world we live in today against the backdrop of human rights principles. From the Bill of Rights and other constitutional amendments to national and world politics, the lessons the Dixons provide explore vital elements in the formation and the running of the United States. Using a wide array of examples, Henry and Sophia present the human rights principles, their benefits, and their inherent pitfalls to their eager audience.

Through the interactions of the fictional Dixon family, The Mirage of Human Rights presents an in-depth studyan historical outline of the evolution of and development of human beings God-given rights. In addition, the familys relationship serves to remind us of a time when the model family provided a stronger foundation for our developing youth.

• Language: English
• Publisher: iUniverse
• Release date: Oct 11, 2012
• ISBN: 9781475948882

Elias C. Hill

ELIAS C. HILL is a retired industrial engineer who has traveled extensively throughout the world, observing and studying human rights issues and their impact on various societies. He currently lives in Antigua, Guatemala.

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9781475948882_txt.pdf

Beginning

The two youngest Dixon children, Greco and Mary, waited for their nightly bedtime story, much like their own father had done when he was young. It had been some time since 16-year-old Andrew had participated in this family ritual, which had caused the entire family great concern. The worst part for Andrew about these gatherings was that the children had to be ready for bed in pajamas for the story to begin. This was in no way acceptable to him. After all, I’m a junior in high school now, he would reasonably point out. Andrew’s deep brown eyes, and reddish hair, which was kept well trimmed by his supportive mother, accentuated his polite attitude.

His younger brother and sister remained persistent, especially 14-year-old Mary, who complained, But Andrew, we miss you and the fun we used to have when you were with us. A beautiful, blue-eyed blond, she had a calm but strong demeanor that her oldest brother could not ignore.

Come on Andrew, Mary is right, added Greco. I even miss you teasing me all the time. Come back and ask Daddy to start talking about something special you want to know. You’ve been complaining that you never get to ask him about important stuff you’re learning in your classes, so why not ask him then? We won’t mind. At 12, Greco’s spontaneous comments, delivered with so much enthusiasm and good humor, often made him the center of attention and had a calming effect on the family.

Greco, I still tease you all the time, Andrew said laughing as he punched Greco in the arm. Are you telling me you want more?

Rubbing his arm, Greco replied, Well, you always seem to make it more fun when you’re there, and that is why we want you back.

What if I want to talk about life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness? What would you say about that, Mary?

You know I love history, she replied but then added, Greco, a topic like that would have nothing to do with children’s bedtime stories. Do you still want Andrew to suggest what we talk about? While she enjoyed sharing the evenings with her little brother, she was certain that if Andrew did not return, things would never be the same.

Greco pondered the question for a moment before replying, Those are just words from the Declaration of Independence—I know that much! What is it you really want to talk about?

You are something else, Greco. You just love to get to the point! said Andrew. But you’re right. I’m upset about many human rights issues we’ve been discussing in school. Remember when Dad told us about Uncle Pedro from Panama who lived in California?

His siblings nodded and raised their eyebrows as Andrew continued, Uncle Pedro had been punished by some of his teachers in the 60’s for speaking Spanish in school, and then he got beat up by a bunch of black kids because he looked like a white Mexican, even though he was Panamanian. To me, that seems to completely contradict the belief that we Americans actually live a life of liberty and equality. Such treatment goes against our inalienable rights as human beings. And there are many examples of such situations even today.

Greco frowned thoughtfully, but then nodded. I guess I can give it a try. If I get bored, I’ll just count things. I can stay focused if I count people, things, and even ideas … Yes! I can accept the topic. Let’s ask Daddy about it tonight.

Later that evening after dinner as the family moved into the living room, Andrew entered and stood up straight next to his 44-year-old father emphasizing his height as compared to his dad’s; indeed, he was now about an inch taller than Mr. Dixon’s height of 5’10. Looking into his father’s eyes, Andrew asked, Dad, please, instead of kids’ stories, would you talk to us about something else tonight? We still love your fairy tales, especially the way you tell them, but you understand so many other things it might be more interesting to hear something different now that we are older."

Henry Dixon’s brown eyes widened, and bringing his left hand to his chin to ponder the question, he replied: Is that your wish alone, or is it something your sister and brother would also like me to do? Greco and Mary exclaimed in a single voice Yes, Daddy!

Greco continued, Daddy, you see, we have all talked about it, and we want Andrew back with us for our story time. He wants to hear about other things than just children’s stories, so we got the nerve to tell you. Turning towards Mary, Greco gave her a nod inviting her to say something to satisfy their father’s concern.

Mary confirmed she had understood what Greco wanted. She then faced her father saying: Yes, Daddy, we think we can learn much more from you than just listening to children’s stories. At school everyone says you are the best teacher in the whole high school. When they have problems or questions about any subject, they ask you.

Looking at them one at a time, Mr. Dixon contemplated their request in astonishment. He had never expected to hear what he had just heard from his children. After a moment, he broke his silence asking, Have you agreed on what subject you would like me to talk about? He did not expect a precise answer since he was counting on a family discussion on the matter, confident that he would finally guide them to an area in the field of mathematics, the subject he taught and knew best. But he was surprised yet again.

Andrew lifted his head and taking a deep breath said, We would like you to tell us about human rights issues.

Human rights? Mr. Dixon repeated in total surprise. But I’m a math teacher. I’m afraid my point of view on that subject is going to be vague.

He paused looking at his children, still maintaining an indecisive expression on his face as if he was about to say something more. In reality, he was debating with himself. Maybe it was not such a bad idea. It was an interesting subject, full of controversial topics that no doubt were going to provide him the opportunity to discuss the human condition in depth with his children and perhaps create a stronger sense of family unity.

Thinking of the family overall, a new thought invaded his mind: what about Sophia? Would she be interested in joining them? His wife Sophia was a very intelligent 39-year-old woman who enjoyed reading extensively. She did not generally participate in the evening story time because she knew her husband enjoyed this private time with the children tremendously. Mr. Dixon realized that a person like Sophia would be a tremendous asset to the new topic the children had selected and her contributions could facilitate the discussions.

Looking at his children, he nodded in agreement, Fine. I will talk to you about human rights, but we’ll start tomorrow night. I would like to prepare some notes before we get started. Sophia, will you be joining us for these new talks of ours?

Enthusiastically, Mary said: Yes Mom, please, I don’t want to be the only girl here talking about human rights.

Mrs. Dixon had been standing smiling in the doorway holding a book with one hand and listening to her family’s conversation. She was aware that her strong convictions and ideas on various topics did not always agree with her husband’s points of view, but she nodded her consent with a twinkle in her eyes and a knowing glance at her husband.

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The Dixon home’s living room was just left off the entry hall as one entered the house. Although technically the formal living area, the family often gathered here to read, talk, or listen to music. It was a cozy room, with a fireplace along one wall and comfortable furniture—some of which had been handed down through the generations. Bookcases along another wall held not only books, but family photos, vases, and other mementos. It was in this room that the children gathered the next evening after dinner. Notably, especially to Andrew, they no longer had to be ready for bed and in pajamas for these talks with their father to begin.

Everyone was now settled into their favorite spots on the braided pattern of the room’s large burgundy oval rug in front of the fireplace. Andrew liked to lean back against the couch while Mary preferred the center of the rug. Closest to Mr. Dixon’s reading chair was Greco’s place. Each child also brought their favored technological devices in an attempt to introduce their use into the family talks. Mary enjoyed her laptop while Greco held his iPad and Andrew held his iPhone. Although the cost of such devices was a sacrifice for their parents, Mr. and Mrs. Dixon had decided the technology they offered could be indispensable in ensuring the quality of their children’s education.

Mr. Dixon was in the study getting the notes he had prepared for his talk. A few minutes later he entered the living room with a folder in his hands. While pleased to see his children anticipating their discussion of human rights, he still was unsure how he was going to approach the subject.

In a firm tone, however, he began. We‘ll start from the beginning, but before we do, I see you’ve each brought some of your electronic devices with you. What about our house rules regarding their use?

Daddy, I know we should’ve asked for permission first, Mary responded, but I want to be able to learn from your talks and sometimes I want to look up something I don’t understand. Andrew and Greco feel the same way. If we promise to keep them off until we need them in order not to be interrupted by a call or the sound of a text, can’t we bring them to our talks from now on?

Mr. and Mrs. Dixon were completely against the use of technology during family time; to be on the phone with a friend during dinner was unheard of in the Dixon household. Their mother especially felt that people needed to come first and machines last. We’re the masters of the devices created to assist us and not vice versa… she would say every chance she had.

Sophia, this is your department … what do you think about this new development?

The children hadn’t noticed their mother walk in and take her favorite seat, an old spindle rocking chair positioned at an angle between the sofa and the fireplace. This slightly removed position allowed her to easily view her children and glance out the large bay window into the front yard whenever she felt so inclined.

Replying to her children’s request, Sophia said, I don’t need to remind you how I feel about those noisemakers that can interrupt our every thought. As I’ve told you many times, only our disciplined use of them will make us better human beings. However, if you demonstrate to me in the days ahead that you in fact can discipline yourself to use them only for educational purposes during these talks, we might consider allowing them in the future more often.

The children gave each other high fives as they turned off their respective devices—at least for the moment.

Glancing at his notes one last time, Mr. Dixon emphasized the first two words as he began: Human rights originated as an attempt to stop centuries of cruelties and injustices committed by unscrupulous, inconsiderate, and powerful persons who in one way or another submitted weak defenseless individuals to slavery and other types of exploitation.

He stopped for a second, not only to give them time to absorb what he had said, but to observe his children’s reactions. After all, this was the first time he was introducing them to something more profound than a fairytale. After a moment he continued: Consequently, the concept of human rights is nothing new. For centuries, theologians and philosophers have recognized all individuals should be allowed to claim what is theirs and not be deprived of the natural human rights or God-given rights making sure each individual is indeed a free person.

Greco raised his hand to ask a question, in the same manner he did at school. Yes, Greco? his father said with a smile at his son’s gesture.

Daddy, what is the difference between human rights, God-given rights, and natural rights? I am confused!

Mr. Dixon rubbed his chin and thought before answering: In common practice, there is no difference; most people use the terms interchangeably. Nevertheless, others consider that there are various differences among these terms. ‘God-given rights,’ are the basic ‘divine’ rights God provides to every individual without exceptions, and since they come from God, they are above any human mandate. For this reason, no human has the right to take away or deny any God-given right. Some of these rights can be noted in the Ten Commandments. For instance, one of the Commandments states ‘Thou shalt not kill.’ This seems to clearly indicate that each person has the God-given right to life.

On the other hand, ‘natural rights’ are related to the intrinsic laws of the natural order of the universe. As part of nature, every individual must have rights to form societies with a rational and just coexistence among all individuals. This term exists without reliance or basis on religious principles.

The simple term ‘human rights’ has become popular and in most cases is used with a classifying adjective to determine the specific right in question, for instance ‘freedom rights,’ ‘private property rights,’ and so on.

Mr. Dixon paused and asked Greco in a doubting tone, Is this clear?

Greco smiled and nodded. The boy actually seemed relieved at the conciseness of his father’s response.

Mr. Dixon glanced at Sophia as if to ask How am I doing? She nodded and smiled at him confirming she had been paying close attention to this exchange. The book she had brought with her was in her lap, but closed with one finger separating the pages where she had been reading.

Aware of the children’s attentiveness, her husband continued. Nevertheless, to only recognize that individuals have rights does not help anyone, and this is the way it has been for centuries. As long as people refuse to respect the rights of others, human rights don’t mean anything. This is particularly so when individuals use their power and influence to subject others to slavery. Many people believe in the famous saying ‘survival of the fittest.’ They act as if this is a principle making it a logical act to allow the stronger to deny all rights to weaker individuals or groups; this is a selfish and inconsiderate way to treat our fellow humans.

Again Greco raised his hand and asked, Daddy, does the law of ‘survival of the fittest’ exist in our country?

Mr. Dixon, quite aware of the cruel reality in the answer to his son’s question, managed to hide his emotions, and forcing a smile on his face he answered, No son, such a law does not exist in our country. Our Constitution prohibits the exploitation of others. Strong or influential persons are not supposed to use this inhumane approach; however, there are people that apply it anyway.

Greco turned his head sideways squinting as Mr. Dixon proceeded. As human society and its concepts evolve, the ideas of human rights also change; unfortunately, many of these changes only occur in an attempt to justify wrongful actions. Still worse is the fact that many people ignore the true nature and intent of the human rights they are claiming as theirs. For instance, an unscrupulous person may make false and very hurtful statements about someone else but then claim they can do so based on their right to freedom of speech!

My father—your grandfather, Henry Sr.—has an interesting point of view; he considers the benefits contained in all human rights cannot be addressed in a truly practical manner by the law alone. Consider, for instance, that the right to life for criminals is the same as the right to life for all law-abiding citizens. Later, however, when we discuss the intricacies of criminal behavior, you will see how the law alone cannot address the real nature of the right to life.

He also believes government officials as policymakers are often under pressure to please certain groups and individuals who sometimes have great power and follow corrupt practices. This of course does not often benefit the common honest individuals, and some injustices continue as a result. In any case, your grandfather states that policymakers cannot, or have been incapable of solving this important dilemma.

Greco looked at his father with a certain sadness, and in spite of his young age asked: Does Grandpa really think that government people are under so much pressure to not make good laws for us on purpose?

Your grandfather is a very well informed and concerned man, who at times says things that are not easy to accept or even believe, but generally his statements are full of truth. As we go along, I’ll tell you more of your grandfather’s beliefs.

Looking at Greco with tenderness, he continued. Often, we boast about positive improvements within the law in relation to human rights, but in practice we have not come as far as we had hoped. For instance, during our early history in the US, it was perfectly natural to keep slaves. As you know, however, slavery is an evil practice that denies the principles of freedom and equality to those kept in servitude. In the US and in other places in the world, bloody confrontations have taken place even among brothers to eliminate this practice. Such efforts have come to be known as the emancipation of slavery. The sad part is that in spite of those heartbreaking confrontations, slavery has not completely been eliminated. Probably this is what your grandfather is making reference to.

Hesitating, Mr. Dixon glanced at his children as if he were anticipating a question; he noticed, however, they all appeared to be uneasy about what he had just explained. After consideration, he decided not to alter the general mood and proceeded. In fact, slavery continues to exist and at times it is worse than before throughout history. The only difference now is we use kinder labels to hide the actual cruelty of slavery. For instance, ‘workers’ forced to hold two and even three jobs to barely support their families are legally not considered slaves, yet they are worse off than many slaves of the past.

With evident concern in his voice, Greco interrupted: Daddy, I thought you said those things are prohibited in the US?

Yes son, I said that, but in a different way. I meant legally there are laws in our country that protect people from slavery. Nevertheless, we continue having slaves under other labels, and that is precisely what makes it so terrible and cruel. My only hope is that you, today’s youth, with stronger fresh convictions concerning the dignity of our human race, will have the strength and power to eradicate those evil actions and selfish behaviors. Do you understand, Greco?

Greco nodded with an uneasy smile, as he seemed to realize that the world was not as safe or fair as he had thought.

Pausing for a moment, he looked at his children before adding, Let me give you a few more examples of a different kind of slavery: We live in our house, but we are not free to go out at any time we wish. We don’t let you children go out on the street when those motorcycle fanatics are using it as a racetrack; your mother and I do not go out on the streets after dark because we fear being robbed. In other words, we become slaves without the freedom to wander whenever or wherever we want. Yet legally we are not considered slaves. However, the individuals taking away our freedoms in these cases are immoral, inconsiderate individuals, gang members or plain criminals, who are not only after people’s belongings—they also rob the freedom of honest citizens, as they roam about engaging in unlawful acts. And do you know why they aren’t afraid of getting caught?

He gently looked at one face and then another as he waited for an answer. However, he was not expecting any response; he only wanted his children to realize the many inconsistencies existing within human rights. After a moment he answered his own question: They are not afraid of getting caught because if they do, many of them use the very principles of human rights as a defense for their atrocities. For instance, they allege to be victims of society and try to arouse everyone’s pity in order to receive lesser punishments. If apprehended and sentenced to a rehabilitation center however, they enjoy the services provided and then pretend to be rehabilitated when the time for their release arrives. This confirms human rights are a blessing for those people, but they can be a curse for the honest individuals who are forced to stay at home to protect their lives and personal belongings. In some cases, honest people can actually live under worse conditions than the criminals enjoy while in jail! All these inequalities in our society confirm slavery still exists as part of our daily life.

Trying to remember what his own father often stated, Mr. Dixon paused and then added, As your grandfather would say, ‘Many times we are worse off than the slaves of the past.’ He also considers the greatest problem of human rights or God-given rights is the misconception of its meaning. He claims that to properly understand the beauty of human rights, first, we must recognize no person and no organization has the right to do wrong. When a human right is exercised to damage others, that right ceases to be a human right; it becomes a ‘human wrong,’ and the aggressor must definitely be held responsible and punished for the perverse act committed.

Without raising his hand this time Greco said, Now I understand why Grandpa is so interesting to listen to.

Yes Greco, your grandfather has many wonderful qualities! He also claims human rights are not open and unlimited. Instead, he states they are sensitive delicate allowances given to all individuals to exercise with extreme care. In one way or another, those allowances always affect the lives of others. Human rights become human choices directly linked to human responsibilities; therefore, it must be recognized and accepted that any action hurting another human is a wrong beyond any human right. No human right should be misconstrued to allow wrongdoers to go unpunished, yet many do.

Dad, I thought we were supposed to demand any benefit we are not receiving from the government. Isn’t that what human rights are for? Andrew asked.

Yes, Andrew, human rights provide us with various benefits, but what your grandfather wants to highlight is the way those benefits are exercised. The problem is the way most people demand those benefits without considering how they affect others, as if human rights were permanent licenses to do evil with impunity. They misunderstand the fact that human rights center on the noble idea of looking for the common interest within a society and do not focus on purely selfish interest for oneself. Does that make sense, Andrew?

Yes, Dad.

Mr. Dixon glanced at his watch and declared: I think this is enough for tonight. I leave you with your grandfather’s thoughts, and tomorrow night we will continue with this subject—that is, if you all still want to.

Some close families have the ability to intuit each other’s thoughts. Smiling at their father was sufficient response for all concerned as Andrew responded, Yes, Dad. Of course we want to continue learning about human rights.

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The following night during supper the children were still discussing some of the issues they had heard about the night before. Mr. Dixon could not hide his pleasure as he listened to their chatter. When the evening meal was finished, they quickly rose from the table to head for the living room—everyone, that is, except for Mrs. Dixon who said, Excuse me, budding intellectuals. I also want to listen to these human rights talks, but first we must work together to clear the table and do the dishes.

In his usual lively fashion, Greco argued, But Mom, we’re just trying to get out of doing the dishes! Haven’t you always told us that education is more important than anything else? Everyone giggled, including Sophia.

After the dishes were done, they were all back in their favorite spots in the living room. Mr. Dixon was already there, standing next to the chimney and leaning on the mantel in a relaxed position reviewing some of his notes. Noticing everyone in place, he began by saying, History is full of sincere defenders of human rights. For instance, about 4,000 years ago, King Hammurabi of Samaria announced a compulsory mandate in relation to human rights. In this mandate he was defending the people from arbitrary persecution. As you can see, persecution has always been a problem and continues to be today. Since those days, many associations, groups and individuals have come forward to defend human rights.

"Unfortunately, some of these individuals or groups only appear to be defending human rights. In reality, they are acting only to obtain dishonest benefits for as they operate under the flag of human rights."

This time it was Mary who appeared confused as she placed her head in her hands and rested her elbows on her knees. Daddy, what does it mean to operate under the flag of human rights?

It describes individuals who pretend to be defenders of human rights when they are merely looking for personal benefits from their efforts. They pressure for laws, ordinances or media support, based on apparent good concepts overall, but in the end they are seeking personal gain in some manner or another.

Greco reacted with deep concern and raised his voice in anger as he shook his head saying: Boy, what liars they are!

Yes, Greco, but please no shouting!

Now let’s get back to history’s first human right attempts. In Athens around 600 years before Christ, most commonly referred to as BC, there was a lamentable moral crisis creating a dangerous anarchy that could have led to its total destruction. The Athenians turned to Solon who lived from 638 to 558 BC and who accepted the position of leading the government. He established profound reforms, promoting knowledgeable laws dealing with economics, politics, and legislation. He also proceeded to pay the government’s debt as a result of developing various constitutional economic reforms intended to serve the needs of the poor.

He also humanized the terrible existing penal legislation that had been established by the infamous Draco, who is claimed to have written the laws with blood. Solon also prohibited slavery of Athenian citizens, divided the people into four classes according to their wealth, and allowed the common classes to vote in the assemblies. The extension of the vote to the general populace made Athens the first democratic state in history.

During the year 500 BC, human rights began to be recognized under the influence of the Chinese philosophers, especially Confucius who lived between 551 and 478 BC. He was a thinker who contributed to China’s spiritual renaissance and culture. He advocated the strengthening of family virtues and used them as a model for citizen relations with the Emperor. He professed a social, practical conduct stating all persons have the same attributes. Basically he believed we need to respect the rights of other as we want our rights to be respected.

Mr. Dixon winked at Mary letting her know he appreciated his daughter’s interest in history as he stopped for a moment to gather his thoughts. Glancing at the notes before him, he proceeded.

About the year 400 BC, human rights began to be recognized under the influence of the Greek philosophers Socrates, who lived between 469 to 399 BC, and Plato, who also lived about the same time between 428 to 347 BC. They related the natural order of the universe to natural human rights.

Greco’s inquisitive nature got the better of him as he abruptly asked: Daddy, what do philosophers do?

Wanting to encourage his children to continue asking questions, Mr. Dixon replied in a quiet and supportive manner, Excellent question Greco. Moving to the other side of the easy chair by the fireplace, he proceeded: A philosopher is a well-versed, knowledgeable person, often considered a genius, whose main purpose is to meditate about human nature and its relation to all the things in this world. In particular, philosophers reflect on human destiny, including how a person must live to achieve happiness. This leads them to ponder and elaborate on issues dealing with good and evil, truths and untruths, for example.

Pausing, Mr. Dixon wondered if his children had understood this definition, but they continued to seem eager for the discussion to continue. He glanced at Sophia with great satisfaction before he continued: There are a good number of scripts by these Greek philosophers stating their feelings concerning human rights. A classic example of this can be found in Greek literature when Antigone justified her act of burying her dead brother Polinices, knowing King Creon had ordered, under the penalty of death, to leave Polinices’s corpse to rot in the battlefield as an exhibition of disgrace for his treason. When King Creon reproached Antigone and asked her why she disobeyed his command, she responded she acted under the law of the Gods. Antigone’s sentence was to be buried alive for disobeying the King’s order; however, she hung herself before the sentence could be carried out to elude such a torturous death.

The important point of this passage is she clarified the basic premise that God’s laws and commands are above all laws, including those of the King. Even though many ancient philosophers were agnostic, they reflected and clarified the understanding of God’s laws as superior to any human law. Therefore, when one speaks of God-given rights, this means no one is supposed to take those rights away from anyone, unless it is necessary to protect the God-given rights of others.

Mr. Dixon carefully organized his thoughts as he shifted his weight from one leg to the other, then moved to the easy chair and slowly sat down placing his notes on the small table next to him. Placing his elbow on the armrest to better lean in the direction of his notes, he studied them once more before continuing. Let me give you the name of a special and caring man who gave his life in defense of all humanity. You as Christians know of whom I am talking about.

His children’s faces lit up with understanding and in a soft chorus they said, Jesus!

As a Christian family, they all were accustomed to prayer and any mention of Jesus led them to a state of reverence and respect. Approving his children’s response, Mr. Dixon joined them with bowed head for a