Skip to main content

Winter ABC Day 24: Every Human Right, Is Right!

Every Human Right, Is Right!

Mankind has developed over the last century yet the issue of human rights remains a sore subject. The fact that #blacklivesmatter, #MeToo or #lovewins rose in this last decade,  is proof that not all human beings have attained equal human rights.

Equal rights means that every human being is entitled to security, education, and comfortable living standards without discrimination. Access to clean water, food, shelter and protection by the law are fundamental rights. So why is it in 2019, we are still tackling issues of racism and gay rights?

Several factors fall into place, mostly the issues of governance in different parts of the world. Prejudices fuelled by traditions and religion play a part in perpetuating racism and homophobia.

I concur with Trevor Noah, who stated that for as long as there are racists, racism doesn't end. Racism is a mental state that is generational. The cycle can only end if a generation chooses to change their prejudices and complexes.

I remember my own experience with racism. I was only seven years old.

The experience did not scar me, but opened my eyes. I'm 'woke' due to that experience. Children's honesty is to a fault, a virtue that can become cruel. Children are a reflection of their parents and what they are taught. If a child is taught that black people are ugly, dirty and stupid, guess what, they will project that. Being the only black girl in my class became a nightmare when the other kids didn't want to be a centimetre, close to me. I remember one girl, saying that the class doesn't like me because I am dirty, and I shouldn't come near them. Yes, that happened to me, but I guess returning to Africa soothed that pain.

In my adulthood, I have watched Caucasians belittle black people in often subtle ways. In one  conversation with an older, white woman, she asked me why I knew so much about the 'world'. I explained that I travelled a lot because my father was a diplomat. Her response, "Oh, so you are one of the exposed ones." Wow!

Racism is a virus! It's treatment will take a long time to undo. As a black, African woman, my role is to safeguard my blackness. I can only teach my children the wisdom of black empowerment. When I do get married, I can only reassure my black 'king' that he is enough in a world system that tries to destroy him. I can only educate my non-black associates,  and perhaps friends, about their privileges, cultural appropriation and how to be an ally to the plight of the black person, or people of colour.

And no, black people can never be racist!

In terms of gay rights, let me quote my gay friend. "If you have so much time to be analysing who is sleeping with who, or who they love, then honey, you don't have a life. Get one!"

Prejudices and systems of oppression such as racism and homophobia can be dealt with through education. Yes, instead of teaching generations about square roots, or correct grammar, teach children acceptance and diversity. There is hope for the next generation if respect of other cultures is taught to prevent appropriation. We need to step out of our fears and ignorance and choose tolerance.

I don't believe in the superiority complex of any race, gender, sexual orientation or even position. If you require a blood transfusion and the colour of that blood is red, then you are a human being.

Every human right, is right!

P.S. Always write your own love story!

Ciao!

Lady E

Comments

Popular Posts

Single ladies: Wife material

MPV.....my point of view! Single Ladies: Wifen Material *Royal wave*Hey single ladies,your guide is back.The pursuit for Mr Put-A-Ring-On-It is on.Today I would like to make you a get-a-ring-on-it lady. Now following my articles,'Single Ladies Part 3',where I talked about the prince searching for a 'real princess',or 'Queen';and 'Brown Sugar',where the word 'brown sugar' was defined as wifen material,I would like to talk about 'wifey material'.(Whether we are that). How do we single ladies get that ring-on-it,you ask?By being wifey material.My uncle keeps on telling me,'If you want to become Mrs X,you should be a wife.You are a wife before he puts a ring on it'.What he means is that,a man will treat you the way you portray yourself.How,you ask? Ever noticed the difference between a wife and a girlfriend.Now let me break it down for you.A girlfriend usually,takes life in a more leisurely way;unlike a wife,whose focus is mo...

Script My Life: Marry Me

If you want something different, you have to do something different! Woo, Jennifer Lopez really grated the cheese on this rom-com but I love it! Yes, this Valentines day, J Lo reminds us of all our fantasies of what really love should be. Jenny has always been a girl who loves love. So art somewhat imitates life. Following her reunion with former fiancé, Ben Affleck, we are definitely seeing Jenny from the Block 2.0. Who knew that getting back together with 'the one that got away' two decades later would revive romantically in J lo? We all know that Jennifer loves to be booed up. She's been married three times, engaged five or six (I've lost count). I believe relationship experts would consider her a love addict. But that's none of our business! Just in time for Valentines day, a romantic comedy simply titled, "Marry Me". The stars Jennifer Lopez, Owen Wilson, Maluma, John Bradley, Sarah Silverman, and Chloe Coleman. The movie opens with the title trac...

Script My Life: Bad Hair

My relationship with hair extensions will never be the same! It's spooky season and what a time for all things that make your stomach churn, and eyes pop! For most of this series, I review romantic comedies and dramas. The big screen allows me to live vicariously through stories and characters. I can escape my mundane life and all the imperfections in between. I can be anything that I want, through whichever character that I relate to. Funny enough I love horror and thrillers! I love the adrenalin rush of frightening encounters with the paranormal, or mentally unhinged. Most horrors or thrillers often follow a generic pattern, however there those that take the cup for scares. I will never watch 'The Exorcist' and 'The Nun' again! Apart from being scary, I am not playing with all that supernatural stuff. And here we are, watching Hulu's new flick, 'Bad Hair'. Ever since the trailer, I have been religiously following the interviews. In one interview, the f...

The Case of the Ghost

If you decide to ghost, then stay dead! I'm riled up and thinking WTF? Who the hell does he think he is? Trying to walk out of the tomb like the Messiah! Degage! But I also realised that I wasn't over it. IT! The hurt and humiliation of being ghosted. The humiliation of being relegated to  side  chick.  And the pain of going through loss alone. Who the hell does he think he is ... in my life? After many years, I bumped into him at a recent event. Actually, he called out my name and followed me. I don't know why he thought that he and I were Gucci. For two years, that guy was a poltergeist.He didn't reach out to me to explain his behaviour. He didn't send me a birthday message. No communication. Obviously, out of sight, out of mind.And then he has the nerve to call out my full government name. Honestly, I was inebriated and had no time for his nonsense. But he started saying that he and I needed to talk. He thought that I was his girl. He missed me. I'm literally...

Are You Friend Zoning Your Soulmate?

Your perfect match could be right under your nose! And then Colby O'donis' 'Under My Nose' starts playing. As the lyrics play, I can't help reflect on a recent experience that has me wondering - could he be right under my nose, and I've been too blind to see? Bonjour mes amies! Comment allez-vous? Ça va! Bring your wine glasses with you and let's have a chat. So, I've been doing some serious self-reflection after our last discussion. There's a lot of unpacking required  and I really need to let go, so that I heal. Healing leads to new beginnings. And hopefully, happy endings - metaphorically that is. We all know the friendzone - that comfortable space where we stash away people we care about but don't see as romantic partners. But could our so-called 'friends' actually be meant for more?  Lately I've been reflecting on a close acquaintance of mine whom I've realized I may have been unintentionally 'friendzoning.' We'v...