Human Rights: Who is Responsible?

Throughout this week we have examined the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, while specifically researching and highlighting recent examples where basic human rights have been violated. For this next post I want you to discuss the importance of human rights and who has the responsibility to act, uphold and ensure that these situations do not occur.


The following questions / prompts should be used to assist you in writing your next post:

• Why should there be such a concept as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights?
• Why do you think these rights are so important? (Provide a relevant example that explores a person, community, country that has (is) violating the Universal Declaration of Human Rights)
• Who do you think has the most responsibility in acknowledging and upholding human rights?
• What role does the UN play? What can the individual do?

The word limit for this post is approximately 350 - 400, but feel free to exceed this limit - there is a lot to discuss and make comment on.

This post is due to be posted up on your blog by Monday 28th Feb

Babel - Global Perpectives & Challenging Themes

After viewing the film Babel, I would like to hear your thoughts concerning the important global themes the film highlights. In order to tease out some of your observations (remember to use your class notes as well) I have provided some questions for you to discuss in your first blog post.

• What does the film reveal about the concept of family structure / dynamics in different countries?
• How does the theme of communication relate to the film?
• What does the scene in the film where Susan (the American tourist) is being treated for her gunshot wound in Morocco suggest about the basic health and hygiene standards around the world?
• How important is the reoccurring motif of guns in the film? What message do you believe the director is trying to convey about the use of guns in the world we live in?
• Do you believe that the film was effective in presenting an authentic or realistic view of our world? Why or why not.

The word limit for this post is approximately 300 - 350, but feel free to exceed this limit - there is a lot to discuss. I promise I'll read it!

This post is due to be posted up on your blog by Thursday 17th Feb.