Framing Human Rights

Presenter/Author Information

John H. Davis, Denison University

Location

University of Dayton

Start Date

10-2-2015 10:30 AM

End Date

10-2-2015 12:00 PM

Abstract

Current events make it clear that human rights continue to be a pressing issue in most parts of the world. This is both a sign of work that remains to be done as various actors strive to realize the values espoused in international human rights documents and an indicator of the degree to which human rights has become an increasingly universalized discourse as more and more people in the world organize, mobilize, and engage their societies and governments seeking greater protection of their human rights. In this paper I utilize ethnographic research on the human rights of minorities in Japan as a counterpoint for examining discourses of minority rights in the United States.

In the case of Japan, one can clearly see a growing tendency to frame minority issues as human rights concerns and entities ranging from the government to grassroots organizations have employed the idea of human rights in efforts to facilitate social change. In the United States, however, minority issues garner a significant amount of national attention, but they are rarely framed as human rights concerns.

Through a comparative analysis of minority rights in Japan and United States, this paper will identify some of the causes of these differential degrees of engagement with human rights as well as the consequences in terms of the well-being of minority communities.

Comments

This biennial conference provides a unique space for scholars, practitioners and advocates to engage in collaboration, dialogue and critical analysis of human rights advocacy — locally and globally. Learn more about the Human Rights Center at the University of Dayton >>>.

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Oct 2nd, 10:30 AM Oct 2nd, 12:00 PM

Human Rights: East vs. West (abstract)

University of Dayton

Current events make it clear that human rights continue to be a pressing issue in most parts of the world. This is both a sign of work that remains to be done as various actors strive to realize the values espoused in international human rights documents and an indicator of the degree to which human rights has become an increasingly universalized discourse as more and more people in the world organize, mobilize, and engage their societies and governments seeking greater protection of their human rights. In this paper I utilize ethnographic research on the human rights of minorities in Japan as a counterpoint for examining discourses of minority rights in the United States.

In the case of Japan, one can clearly see a growing tendency to frame minority issues as human rights concerns and entities ranging from the government to grassroots organizations have employed the idea of human rights in efforts to facilitate social change. In the United States, however, minority issues garner a significant amount of national attention, but they are rarely framed as human rights concerns.

Through a comparative analysis of minority rights in Japan and United States, this paper will identify some of the causes of these differential degrees of engagement with human rights as well as the consequences in terms of the well-being of minority communities.