Afghanistan's borders are arbitrary, drawn to meet 19th-century political needs rather than to respect ethnic or religious patterns.
Stephen KinzerRead
If women are being oppressed in Egypt or children are being forced to join armies in the Congo, for example, it is not only acceptable but wonderful for Americans to be concerned, outraged, and active.
Interpretation
What this quote means
It is important for people to care and take action against oppression worldwide.
Stephen Kinzer emphasizes that global injustices, such as the oppression of women in Egypt or the conscription of children into armies in the Congo, should elicit a response from those outside these situations. It is not only acceptable but commendable for individuals, particularly Americans, to express concern and take action against these injustices.
Themes
OppressionActivismGlobalInjusticeHuman Rights
In practice
Example use cases
This quote could be used during a speech at a human rights rally.
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Want to depose the government of a poor country with resources? Want to bash Muslims? Want to build support for American military interventions around the world? Want to undermine governments that are raising their people up from poverty because they don't conform to the tastes of Upper West Side intellectuals? Use human rights as your excuse!
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