Describe the differences between human rights, human values, and human dignity. Fluehr-Lobban shares that for decades she found herself accepting FGM from cultural relativist position, while at the same time criticizing Western practices that were harmful to women and children, such as breast implants or instances of domestic violence.
- Have you ever noticed yourself applying a double standard to critique some practices that are considered harmful and defend others?
- Are there circumstances where such as standard seems appropriate?
- What are some contemporary human rights issues and debates where anthropological knowledge of cultural specificity might be useful?
Full Answer Section
There are a few circumstances where such a standard might seem appropriate. For example, if a practice is harmful to children, it may be necessary to intervene even if it is part of a cultural tradition. However, it is important to be respectful of cultural differences and to work with the community to find solutions that are acceptable to everyone.
Some contemporary human rights issues and debates where anthropological knowledge of cultural specificity might be useful include:
- Female genital mutilation (FGM): FGM is a harmful practice that is often justified on cultural grounds. Anthropological knowledge can help to understand the cultural context of FGM and to develop strategies for ending the practice.
- Child marriage: Child marriage is another harmful practice that is often justified on cultural grounds. Anthropological knowledge can help to understand the cultural context of child marriage and to develop strategies for ending the practice.
- Female genital mutilation (FGM) and child marriage are just two examples of contemporary human rights issues where anthropological knowledge of cultural specificity can be useful. By understanding the cultural context of these practices, anthropologists can help to develop strategies for ending them and protecting the human rights of all people.
Here are some additional thoughts on the double standard that Fluehr-Lobban describes:
- It is important to be aware of our own biases and to challenge ourselves to think critically about our own values.
- It is also important to be respectful of cultural differences and to avoid making assumptions about other cultures.
- We should always strive to find solutions that are acceptable to everyone, even if it means compromising our own values.
Ultimately, the goal is to protect the human rights of all people, regardless of their culture. By being aware of our own biases and by respecting cultural differences, we can work towards a more just and equitable world.
Sample Answer
here are the differences between human rights, human values, and human dignity:
- Human rights are the basic rights and freedoms that all humans are entitled to, regardless of their race, religion, sex, nationality, or any other status. Human rights are universal, meaning that they apply to everyone, everywhere.
- Human values are the principles that people believe are important in life. Human values can vary from culture to culture, but some common human values include freedom, equality, justice, and respect.
- Human dignity is the inherent worth and value of every human being. Human dignity is the foundation of human rights, and it means that all humans deserve to be treated with respect and to have their basic rights protected.
Fluehr-Lobban's experience of applying a double standard to critique some practices that are considered harmful and defend others is a common one. It can be difficult to know how to balance the need to respect cultural differences with the need to protect human rights.