Human dignity: Voice and recognition

Voice makes it possible to make a difference to the world by clearly communicating which parts of the world need changing. Wrongs that are not heard are rarely righted with recognition, and with the problems society faces today everyone needs input with ideas to create change (Abrams, 2006). However these complex issues cannot be solved only by talking. Sharing a voice goes hand in hand with listening and recognizing change needs to be done due to what is being said. For some being heard is difficult and therefore there are new ways to express voice and challenge authority in the form of protest, or a few posts on a blogging site, photos and videos (Abrams, 2006).

Recently, the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community has been consistently expressing their voice in many forms and are finally being heard. The UN is now recognising LGBT rights as human rights, which can be seen in the message of the new anti-homophobia video titled "The Riddle" (shown in reference list). Due to many listeners of the gay community a change in attitude has started to appear in society. Gay marriage has been a big debate worldwide, and many countries have been acknowledging gay rights, even changing laws to implement equality. The continuation of these societal debates “will hopefully lead to discussion to take forward the work needed to integrate human rights advocacy with shifting and diverse sexualities” (Reddy, 2001, pp87).

As members of the world’s society we have an obligation to listen, even if we do not agree as all humans have the capacity for voice and recognition  (Couldry, 2009). From personally having experienced talking and not being listened, at first I was frustrated but with persistence I was heard and change eventually occurred.  Therefore change can only occur when voice and agency are used to express ideas and when those ideas are heard and recognized. Human dignity regarding active voice and recognition are major parts in understanding the differences and need for change in our society. 

References:
Couldry, N. (2009). Rethinking the Politics of Voice. Continuum: Journal of Media & Cultural Studies, 23(4), p579-582. United Kingdom: Taylor & Francis.

Reddy, V. (2001). Homophobia, human rights and gay and lesbian equality in Africa. Agenda, 16(50), 83-87. Unknown.

 Abrams, H. N. (2006). World changing: a user’s guide for the 21st century. New York, NY: Harry N. Abrams, Inc.

Humanrights, UN (2013). The riddle. Youtube. Retrieved May, 14, 2013, from http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=sYFNfW1-sM8