About BrendaRay

BrendaRay

World Peace?

Location:

New York (10003, USA)

Joined on:

03/31/08

Occupation:

Audio Engineer

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  Politics

  Can We End Human Rights Abuses?

  PROJECT IDEA:
  I createdWorld Voices Project to promote an artistic audio installation of people reading the United Nation's Universal Declaration of Human Rights in their native language (this year marks the 60th anniversary of the Declaration). So far I've recorded over forty different languages (in New York City). I've been reading this document for over 2 years now and WHAT HAUNTS me is the seemingly uselessness and inefficacy of such a lofty and noble document. As evidenced by continuing human rights violations throughout the world, apparently this document has no spine and cannot be enforced (like the UN's Genocide Convention), even though all member states of the United Nations have signed on! (I know my incredulity is naive).

  I propose to create a forum to ask people for ways that citizens of the world can enforce the Declaration of Human Rights Read it on th UN website How can we make our governments accountable for human rights violations? Can we create a world body of people, not politicians, or government representatives with economic interests - to embarrass governments into respecting human rights and adhering to this Declaration? While Amnesty International and other human rights orgs are critically important, why do people in power continue to mistreat and abuse, neglect and disregard basic human rights? (ok, I know the answer= desire for money & power and ultimately fear of death). But are we really as powerless as I often feel? Can we as a global community demand better? Can we create a massive campaign and blog like GOOD described in issue 9 for dissatisfied consumers- but for dissatisfied global inhabitants? Can we use the internet in more aggressive and creative ways to force change? I suggest partnering with BOINGBOING.net, Amnesty International, and BIG CORPORATIONS (specifically Business Leaders Initiative of Human Rights: BLIHR.ORG that includes The Coca Cola Co., Gap Inc, General Electric, ABB, Barclays, Ericsson and more) to "advertise" governments and institutions that violate human rights, including our own, but advertising in the market place- (instead of product placement we have 'Violators" placement) - not only on "do-good" web sites that are preaching to the converted, but on billboards, labels, products. Let's face it, corporations are the ones running the world. But I know they want to be a part of creating a good and decent world (minus weapons manufacturers)- And YES, profits may be put at risk in the short term. Is it worth?... Any other ideas out there?

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  Posted on March 31, 2008 by - BrendaRay

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  Politics

  response to  tstilz's post Its sad ...

  Like your sarcasm

  Yo Tsilz- I like the sarcasm, if that's what it is- war is passe'- in my opinion. We should figure out how to resolve conflicts without blowing each other's brains out. How archaic. stupid and juvenile. World "leaders" still opt for guns/bombs etc 'cause, hey, it's great for business- and population control, and world domination...and then there's room in the classroom for kids and parents who have managed to scrounge up the dough or have shot some decent hoops for scholarship bucks.

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  Commented on March 31, 2008 by - BrendaRay