Equality For All

By: McKenna Smith

Human Rights: The Fight for Equality

The topic of today revolves around the human race–our rights, our happiness, and our chances at success. We all have different views on the world, which is entirely normal and healthy. However, one thing we should all agree on is human rights. No matter who you are or what you believe in, we should all recognize the importance of equal rights.

What Equality Should Mean

You don't have to live your life supporting everyone, but just because you don’t support someone doesn’t mean they don’t deserve the same rights as you. Regardless of race, gender, religion, wealth, sexuality, or background, we are all still human. We cannot go around claiming that humans have equal rights when it is clear that we do not.

Women are losing control over their own bodies. Men receive less visibility when it comes to their struggles. People of races other than white Americans are frequently mistreated and targeted. Individuals of all religions are being persecuted or even killed for what they worship. Poor and working-class people are denied the benefits and tax breaks the wealthy enjoy. And members of the LGBTQIA+ community not only have fewer rights but are often discriminated against and even murdered.

Unfortunately, these are only a few examples of inequality–and these injustices are visible all around the world.

The Reality Behind the Headlines

In some countries, public executions and acts of torture remain legal. In others, women are still being married off, sold, and forced into situations they are not even allowed to object to. Racial prejudice remains widespread. When someone of a marginalized race accomplishes something, media headlines often exaggerate their racial identity as if it's a novelty.

For instance, headlines like “Black Woman Runs Successful Business Chain,” “Asian Man Creates Music for Children in Hospitals,” or “Mexican Family Restaurant Serves Amazing Food” shouldn’t feel unusual. If true equality existed, the race of the achiever wouldn’t be highlighted as the most remarkable part of the story.

This type of coverage reveals just how differently people of color are treated, how underestimated their capabilities are, and how the appearance of equality often masks a deeper imbalance.

Religious and Legal Injustice

Religious persecution continues as well. Muslims are targeted because of stereotypes linked to past events. Atheists are judged for not believing in a higher power. Hellenic polytheists are ridiculed for believing in Gods labeled as myths. Catholics are targeted for following strict traditions, and the list goes on.

While freedom of religion is considered a right in many countries, in reality, it is not respected anywhere–and in many cases, it is merely a law that isn’t upheld in people’s daily lives.

Legal recognition doesn’t always translate to lived equality. Although a law may state that there is freedom and equality in a certain situation or group, this does not mean that the law is respected or upheld by the citizens under it. This is the case for almost all laws regarding rights, freedom, and equality; however, legal action to fix this pressing issue has yet to be done.

Divided by Power and Prejudice

Similarly, people in the LGBTQIA+ community are being stripped of healthcare, mental health resources, and marriage rights. Women are losing control over their own reproductive decisions. Men are pressured into specific workfields and are often denied proper emotional support. The wealthy are given ways to pay less and keep more, while the poor are left to surrender their hard-earned money.

Religious groups are locked in constant battles with one another, even though no single belief system holds an absolute truth. Sexualities outside of the heterosexual norm are slowly losing access to rights that every human being deserves.

What’s the Point of All This Division?

What is the purpose of all this division? What does it achieve?

The world is slowly losing its chance at success. Younger generations are growing up witnessing how hard it is for people just to exist. Happiness has become a luxury, because happiness requires a foundation of stability–and that is what we currently lack.

Where Do We Go From Here?

If we want to create a world where people can be truly happy, we must begin by acknowledging that everyone deserves equal rights. Whether or not you support everyone’s lifestyle or beliefs, one truth remains: we are all human.

It’s deeply disappointing that some people still don’t wish for others to have the same rights they enjoy. But imagine what could happen if we all stood together–as equals. Prejudice and hatred would begin to fade. Compassion and understanding would grow in their place.

Upon writing this, I’ve made a decision to take action–and I invite you to make that choice as well.