The Value of Equal Rights, Opportunities, and Participation  

Speech Presented by Diane Howard, Ph.D.
in Collaboration with UMHB Distance Communication Students
Copyright © 2005

by Diane Howard, Ph.D.
for TISD Videoconference to Speech Students
April 27, 2005 

Videoconference Agenda:

• Introduction- Dr. Howard

• Research and Preparation for the Persuasive Speech.

• Non-Verbal, Body Language in Delivery of the Persuasive Speech- Erin Schwartz

• Visual Aids for the Persuasive Speech- Donya Fagan.

• Vocal Delivery of the Persuasive Speech- Michelle Headley

• Role Modeling of a Persuasive Speech- Dr. Howard.

• Questions & Answers- Remaining Time

 In recent years we Americans have been grateful to our soldiers for their contributions in providing freedom for people around the world. We have honored them as they have continued the march forward in advancing the productivity of nations around the globe by providing freedom, equal opportunities, and fair participation in public life for formerly suppressed people. Progress has been made in challenging discrimination and in securing equal rights for people around the world.  Wars have been fought and lives have been given. Laws, treaties, charters, and conventions have been established around the world to affirm the equal and inalienable rights of human beings, irrespective of ethnicity or gender. Ethnic and gender specific protections have advanced the inherent dignity of ethnic minorities and women, equalizing their standing before the law. As formerly suppressed people groups have been protected and freed to enter public life, nations have been enriched by their contributions and productivity.

            Have you noticed how often tags on items you have purchased have said “Made in China”? In the closed society of China, an industrial and economic boom has been taking place in recent years. The China Daily News reports that the country has made strides toward moving formerly subjugated people into the mainstream of society, to relieve poverty among them, to protect their human rights, and to increase their educational opportunities.  These developments and advancements have contributed to economic and social progress in China.

           The U. S. Army has fought valiantly and sacrificially throughout the world to advance freedom for marginalized, subjugated, intimated, and terrorized people. Thanks to their efforts, women are now being educated in Afghanistan and are participating in the political process. Afghanistan now has its first female provincial governor. Afghan females have become role models for other women throughout the world. They have demonstrated the importance and value of their being educated and allowed to participate in public life.  

            In Iraq there is now a governing body with leadership and representation of  formerly suppressed groups. Our U. S. soldiers have given their blood to advance the march toward freedom and equal rights throughout the world. Today we have a female Secretary of State, Dr. Condelessa Rice, who as a professional role model demonstrates the validity and effectiveness of educated, female leadership. She has facilitated great progress toward effective, diplomatic relationships
around the world.
 
            However, we can not take for granted advancements toward equal rights, fair opportunities, and greater general productivity.  Members of minority groups and women continue to face unfair practices and policies in public life, which only ends up hurting general economic and social progress. Minority members and women throughout the world and in our country commonly continue to experience unfair, humiliating, and debilitating public and private practices.

            Discrimination still exists when women or minorities are paid less than Caucasian men for the same or comparable work, when they are denied advancement or promotions, when they are shut out of administrative positions, and when they are subjected to various forms of harassment. Discrimination exists against minority members and women when they are denied equal rights, opportunities, and participation. Discrimination exists when there are unequal educational and community opportunities and participation. Equal rights should be available in schools and communities for all members, irrespective
of their ethnicity or gender.

          In recent horrible violent school shootings and in popular movies such as Mean Girls or A Walk to Remember, we have been reminded of the negative consequences of discrimination in schools and communities. Can you think of examples of discrimination in your school or community? Are there cliques that exclude others because of differences? If this is so, is this discrimination? Is there more support for one gender in sports or extracurricular activities?  If so, is this discrimination? Are there social clubs that exclude others due to ethnic or gender differences?  If so, is this discrimination? If discrimination exists in your school or community, does it limit the productivity and contributions of some? Does discrimination lead to isolating some even to the point of violent reactions? Will the loss of productivity created by discrimination hurt your community, your school, or yourselves?

When equal rights are available, schools, communities, and organizations are more safe and productive. Progress has been made toward greater hope and possibilities for minorities and women throughout the world and in our own country, but they are still generally marginalized and limited. They are often unable to fully contribute to the larger society. Often these marginalized people become a drain on resources rather than contributing to them in a school or community.  The
World Bank contends inequalities create costs that broadly affect societies, ultimately harming everyone. We still have a way to go for minorities and women to be appropriately respected, appreciated, and valued throughout the world.  When they are suppressed and marginalized in communities around the globe, it is a tragedy. It hurts the world when much of its population is limited in what they can accomplish, contribute, and produce.

The American Psychological Association urges support of efforts that address gender-based imbalances, civil rights inequalities, and pay inequities. You and I can discourage imbalances and can make choices every day that provide for equal rights, opportunities, and participation in our schools and communities. We can make a difference to ensure equality for all in order to produce greater benefits and welfare for ourselves and our society. Fredrick Douglass said, "Right is of no sex – Truth is of no color - God is the Father of us all, and we are all Brethren.'' When we believe and act on these principles, there is true equality that leads to productivity and benefit for all.

 Sources

Equal rights amendment. Retrieved March 17, 2005 from http://www.apa.org/pi/wpores.html