human rights meditations: week 4

Oh the Slavery by My Dead Pony.
Available via etsy.

Welcome to Week 4 of Human Rights Meditations. Each week we’re looking at an Article in the United Nation's Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Learn more about the series here. This series is all about the time you spend reflecting, and engaging in the discussion via comments below & twitter (hash tag #hrmlak).

This week we’re looking at Article 4 of the UDHR:

Article 4: No one shall be held in slavery or servitude; slavery and the slave trade shall be prohibited in all their forms.

Read over the article above a few times and let it sink in (this is a long one, so you may want to break it up as you reflect). As you reflect, consider the following:

·          What's the first picture that came to your mind?

·          How did you respond to what you read?

·          Reflect how you feel about yourself in comparison to others.

·          Reflect on how you perceive others in your world. 

·          Reflect on your understanding of global issues.

Write the article down and stick it somewhere where you know you'll see it throughout the week. This will prompt you to keep the thinking going! Alternatively, write down something that has stood out to you throughout this meditation.  

Now, get talking! Let's talk openly about our thoughts on each article, what we're learning about ourselves and some of the actions we're taking to live more in line with the Declaration. Don't forget that as well as chatting via the comments below, you can get talking via twitter by including this tag: #hrmlak

Here are some of the things I've been thinking about: 

• The Story of Stuff video shows the process that is behind what we buy... it's quite shocking! 
• Likewise, I was shocked to find out just how many slaves it takes to maintain my current lifestyle (and have started making changes to fix this)
• It's easier to cut down your slave footprint than you think. We purchase second hand and fair trade where we can. 
• I'm switching to fair trade undies as a start. 
• I'm shocked that so many countries have abolished slavery on their own land yet support business that uses slavery overseas. How is this any better? (Answer: it's not) 

Kate xx


PS: Sending a massive thanks to Raphael from My Dead Pony for supporting this series and sharing the amazing piece of art you see above. It really does remind us what is behind our clothes.