Nelson Mandela's Legacy

Today (December 5, 2013) one of history's greatest activists, Nelson Mandela, passed away at the age of 95. Mandela spent 27 years in prison as a leader of the anti-apartheid movement. After his time spent as a political prisoner, Mandela went on to become South Africa's first black president in 1994. Nelson Mandela leaves behind an outstanding legacy and gives hope to nations that countine to suffer from extreme inequality as South Africa did under the apartheid. More can be read on Madela's death and legacy at:http://worldnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/12/05/17500450-nelson-mandela-dead-at-95

Martin Luther King Jr. Against Injustices Everywhere

Naturally, Martin Luther King Jr. was one of my "Top 10 Difference Makers." This is one of his inspirational quotes stating his belief and passion for achieving equality:

 “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” 

This quote can still be applied to today's world. Complete equality can not be achieved until injustices everywhere are reduced and eventually eliminated. We still haven't eliminated inequality in the USA and many other countries are behind in the movement for equality.

Boycott

 I know that a single person's boycott of an organization will not do much to that particular company. However, some well-known companies are discriminating against people of different sizes, religions, and sexual orientations. This provoked my decision to boycott certain organizations such as:

 Hobby Lobby: Not that I use craft material often, but I boycott this store for its stance on gay rights and not catering to other faiths. The Chistian-based store has made ant-gay comments as well as anti-semantic actions (refused to store Jewish craft objects). Also, the company has attempted to deny it's employees health care plans that are mandated under the new Affordable Care Act (Obamacare).

 Chick-Fil-A: The CEO of this restaurant has made anti-gay comments when asked if he supported same-sex marriage. He could have just said "no." This actually increased business when opponents of gay rights declared a "national Chick-Fil-A day." The restaurant became a symbol for the conservitive view on marriage. Also, like Hobby Lobby, Chick-Fil-A denied workers "Obamacare" health coverage. 

Abercrombie & Fitch: This clothing brand is popular among teens and young adults. I used to wear their clothes however, they lost my support when their CEO discriminated against "plus" sized consumers. When asked why the company doesn't carry clothing that fits bigger individuals, the CEO said that his clothes were for the "All American" athletic customer and not for plus sized people. An article on his statement can be read at: http://www.boston.com/lifestyle/health/blogs/daily-dose/2013/05/13/weekly-challenge-say-abercrombie-fitch-weight-discrimination/QVKHrCvz9tCRSRCXpL0tcP/blog.html

 

In my opinion, even religious-based companies or CEOs should keep views private and not let opinions dictate the way the company is ran. Also, I think that companies should not discriminate on any bases (religion, size, gender, sexual orientation). 

Israle's Education Blockade

 Extremist groups in the Middle-East gain members and supporters by brainwashing citizens. This tactic is easy when it comes to uneducated citizens. Education is essential to the advancement of human rights. However, Israel is making it harder for Palestinian children to gain an education, due to the Gaza Strip blockade.

 The economic crisis in the Gaza Strip has made it a struggle to build and fund schools, because of the embargo posed by Israel. According to the UN, about 39,000 Palestinian child refugees will be unable to gain education at schools stationed by the UNRWA. This is due to population growth as well as the blockade that is hurting the nation economically. This blockade was set to hinder the terrist group, Hamas, from building weapons. However, it has affected the lives of everyone in the Gaza Strip.

 You can read more about this issue at: http://m.irinnews.org/report/89739/opt-thousands-missing-out-on-education-in-gaza#.UoV88nm9LCQ and become involved in ending the education barrier by simply singing a form at Amnesty International: http://www.amnestyusa.org/our-work/countries/middle-east-and-north-africa/israel-and-occupied-palestinian-territories/help-palestinians-in-gaza-access-edu

Malala Yousafzai Speaks To the UN Youth Assembly

 In an earlier post, I described Malal Yousafzai, a 16 year old Pakistani girl who was shot by the Taliban as a punishment for seeking an education. This past summer, the activist spoke to the United Nations Youth Assembly to encourage all children and women to fight for equal opportunity and treatment.
 Yousafzai described that she is only one of millions of people injured be terrorist groups. She also stated that her ambitions have not been altered and that the Taliban has failed to keep her and her friends silent.
  The speech was inspirational to me. As an American-born man, I cannot imagine what it is like to be a woman in a country with  extremists who are against the advancement of women's education and equality. I hope that her story, as well as the success of Fawzia Koofi, (Afghan politician and woman's rights activist) can inspire even more people, including those outside the mid-east, to become involved in advancements towards equality. Malala Yousafzai's speech is posted below, taken from the United Nation's YouTube account.

Human Rights Organizations

Here is a list of non-govornmental organizations promoting human equality. Some are for specific ethnicities, but all share the goal of quality. I am only familiar with Amnesty International and NAACP, but more info abut each organizations, as well as governmental organizations, can be found at humanrights.com.


Amnesty International: www.amnesty.org 

Human Rights Action Center: www.humanrightsactioncenter.org

Human Rights Watch: www.hrw.org

Human Rights Without Frontiers: www.hrwf.net 

National Association for the Advancement of Colored People(NAACP):. www.naacp.org

Simon Wiesenthal Center: www.wiesenthal.com

Activism and Music

 Being a fan of music, I always learn a lot about my favorite bands. Many groups I listen to participate in activism. For instance, Linkin Park has a mission to give water and power to people who have none; and Rise Against and Anti-Flag (as well as many other punk groups) are concerned with human equality. I love these bands' music and their activism goals. Music fans, do you also become engaged in your favorite artists' causes? Please comment and give your input.