PLAINTIFF v. UNIVERSAL DECLARATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS

it became clear working with this text, that while it is meant to be inclusive, it neglects those individuals and groups who do not have social or familial power, nor access to it – specifically children and the poor. Indeed, these individuals are most often completely subject to the whims and dictates of their respective “sovereigns.”

In this light, the preamble and articles of this Universal Declaration of Human Rights, though clearly fashioned with noble intent, become fictions based on the premise or implication that “sovereigns” must, or even can, recognize each individual’s right to basic human dignity. I suspect this notion can be refuted through evidence of many lives and many stories. However, as my life is the one I know best, I present evidence that contests several articles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Thank you to Shireen Patell and Allen Feldman who inspired this book, and many, many thanks to Olga Vladova, Anka Pinczer, and Ledi Lalaj who helped me figure how to do it.

http://www.arthousecoop.com/fiction, theme: below the surface.