Dear All, I suppose I like calling someone who does human rights education, just that: a Human Rights Educator. But, when we speak of "educator," we must keep in mind its etymological roots. One root comes from the first declension Latin word, educo, educare, which means "to grow, nourish, strengthen"; another root is from the second declension educo, educere which means "to lead out of." Thus, a true "educator" is actually someone who commits her or himself to the human development of all students, a fundamental thrust of human rights documents. Thus, in my view, any educator in some sense is a "human rights educator," if he or she as a leader, is committed to fulfilling human rights principles, as defined in part by the Universal Declaration and its progeny, that is, later covenants and declarations. But, sadly, education does not appear to help us or others grow, but rather socializes us into accepting certain "givens," like war, the impossibility of health care and security in old age for all, or the selfishness of the human condition. These are not givens, but rather represent choices, totally inimical to human growth and potential. What we used to call the "military industrial complex" (actually a term of President Eisenhower), perhaps should be the "military-educational industrial complex," for it is highly "educated" people that are persisting in waging war, destroying, rather than enhancing human life and dignity. Have we really progressed from some sadistic, and educated guards and, at times, health personnel, in concentration camps who would at times engage in torture for pleasure? Joe Joseph Wronka, Ph.D. Professor of Social Work 263 Alden Street Springfield College Springfield, MA 01109-3797 USA Office: 413-748-3067 Fax: 413-748-3069 http://www.humanrightsculture.org Gandhi's eight blunders: Wealth without work; Pleasure without conscience; Knowledge without character; Commerce without morality; Science without humanity; Worship without sacrifice; Politics without principles; and Rights without responsibilities. ======== Global Human Rights Education listserv ======= Send mail intended for the list to < >. Archives of the list can be found at: http://www.hrea.org/lists/hr-education/ **You are welcome to reprint, copy, archive, quote or re-post this item, but please retain the original and listserv source.
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