By Dr. Tony Malone.
We enter a new world. There is no longer a ‘normal’, there never was. We always enter a new world each day. Our views and ideas have shifted, through the great awakening that is the pandemic we have, mostly, opened our eyes not only to the inequalities of society but also for the need to understand the responsibilities that come with technologies such as social media, online news and the power of influence. In 1948, after a similar period of upheaval and technological advance in the world, the UN Declaration of Human Rights was created. This declaration affirms that all human beings have the right to freedom from want and freedom from fear. These human rights are inclusive, interdependent and universal. They are relevant and protective. Whether we are concerned with suffering born of poverty, with denial of freedom, with armed conflict, or with a reckless attitude to the natural environment everywhere, we should not view these events in isolation. Eventually their repercussions are felt by all of us. The ripple effect of any suffering affects us all in ways we can not foresee. Effective international action to address these global issues from the perspective of the all humanity, and from a deep understanding of the interconnected nature of today's world through our human instinct to communicate. To reach out. At birth, all human beings are naturally endowed with the qualities we need for our survival, such as caring, nurturing and loving kindness. These attributes bestow upon us an important human right, dignity. However, despite already possessing such positive qualities, we tend to neglect them, our failure to treat ourselves with dignity can often reflect and redirect this to failing to treat both others and the world with dignity. As a result, humanity faces unnecessary, self-inflicted problems. We need to return to our human born instincts, and put in an effort to sustain and develop these dignifying qualities. Therefore, the promotion, education and sharing of human values is of primary importance. We need to focus on cultivating good human relations, for, regardless of differences in nationality, gender, religion, race, whether people are rich or poor, educated or not, we are all a part of this caring and compassionate human society. When we are facing difficulties, and in the last year at some point this unites each and every one of us across the world. We invariably meet someone, in person or online, who may be a stranger or a friend who immediately helps us, or offers us help. That help could just be a kind word, typed or spoken without any expectations. We all depend on each other in difficult circumstances, and we do so unconditionally. We do not ask who people are before we offer them help. We help because they are human beings like us. In doing so, we provide the human right of dignity, to others and then ourselves.
Tony is a skilled artist, and Human rights activist. Works amongst other with Amnesty International, and as a Volunteer Diversity and Inclusion Consultant for World Scouting.
You can learn more about Tony and his important work here:
