Basic Human rights are defined as the equal and inalienable rights that are given to everyone for the simple fact of being human. In recent decades, the battle of our freedom has been an ongoing process. With so many cultures, beliefs, and religions coexisting in our world, it is important that we treat everyone as equals. After the horrific period of slavery in the United States, it was time to embark on a major change. Fortunately for us, many brave men and women rose to the occasion to act and improve the basis of equality for all.
As Martin Luther once stated, “we know through painful experience that freedom is never voluntarily given by the oppressor but demanded by the oppressed” (Letter from Birmingham Jail, 2). As harsh as this may sound, this action remains true. Time and time again ill formed frustration lingers within those of the less fortunate and for over 340 years of fighting, it will never be apparent of when the waiting for freedom will be over. Fortunately, during the 1960’s, justice was denied no longer. Martin Luther King Jr. created confidence to rise against prejudice and racism because “all too many others have been more cautious than courageous and have remained silent behind the anesthetizing security of stained glassed windows” (Letter from Birmingham Jail,5). Although it led to many dangerous, violent outbreaks, the message that was received lead to those who were more privileged to see the vision of bettering the lives of the citizens in America; creating a nationwide conversation. Martin Luther King Jr.’s goal was to show people, who have never seen it, the harsh realities that faced the oppressed. His conscious was to show that everyone deserves to be equal in a country that stands for equality and to denounce them of that right was to take away their freedom.
Just like Martin Luther King who stood heroically for his people, Benazir Bhutto was able to conspire a progressive movement for her country. Unlike the United States, the country of Afghanistan is centralized around very traditionalist views. For example, the oppression and subordination of Afghan women has led to the continuation of gender inequality. Being invisible to the public and imprisoned inside their own homes, women have been banned from going to school, having jobs, being active in politics; with punishments as severe as death. With that in mind, Benazir Bhutto realized a changed needed to be made. Although the risk of danger was tremendously high, she used her father’s political platform and became the first female prime minister in the Islamic country. From there, she introduced the idea of democracy which terminated the concept of a double standard. In her speech as new prime minister Bhutto declares “therein shall be granted fundamental rights, including equality of status, of opportunity and before law, social, economic, and political justice, and freedom of thought, expression belief; faith, worship, and association, subject to law and public morality” (Islam and democracy, 182). Under the newly formed democracy, Bhutto engaged in the civil act to bring the unalienable rights that should be given to all humans no matter the gender or race. The only problem with that is that “Democracy is not welcomed by others” (Islam and Democracy, 178). Although the journey to achieve a non-violent freedom seems easier said than done, the many trials to reach the goal seem almost worth it to the people. Though fighting for freedom and equality may difficult to manage due to traditional values, it only takes one person to make all the difference.
Living in a country that is based on the concept of freedom for all, it’s hard to say if that’s actually ever been the case. Thankfully with so many brave young men and women, we are able to provide that basic human right. After years and years of living in fear based off of what you stand for, and the sacrifices made by iconic figures, maybe now we have hope for the future.
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