In a democracy, we have rights and liberties simply because we exist. We have the right to participate in society and be a part of the democratic process. However, when we make these rights conditional, we risk losing them. If we have to perform in a certain way to keep our rights, then someone else’s opinion could take them away.
It’s important to participate in a democracy. We all have a responsibility to protect each other’s rights and liberties. By understanding how important our rights are, we can better understand why it’s important to have a functional democracy.
Examples of how people have had their rights taken away:
- People have been denied the right to vote because of their race or gender.
- During World War II, Japanese Americans were forced to move and live in internment camps.
- Sometimes the government watches people too much in the name of national security, which can be against their right to privacy.
- In some countries, the government controls what people can say and write.
- Some groups of people, like LGBTQ+ individuals or refugees, have been treated unfairly and not given the same rights as others.
- Sometimes police use too much force, especially against people from minority groups, which can hurt their right to life and safety.
- Some people are discriminated against in jobs and housing because of their race, religion, or gender identity.
- In some places, peaceful protests are not allowed, which can hurt people’s right to express themselves and gather together.
These show how some people in power have broken the rules and not let people have their rights. It’s important to know your rights and to make sure people who are in charge follow the rules.