On September 23rd, 2020, I attended a virtual Zoom meeting presented by the Society of Fellows. This digital dialogue touched on many current events such as the Coronavirus Pandemic, police brutality, riots, and human rights. The discussion began with three different key note speakers who each presented on their research finding regarding human rights during this difficult time. The three keynote speakers included Dr. Tiffany King, Dr. Iyko Day, and Dr. Sharon Yam. At the conclusion of these three key note speakers, the host of the dicsussion and other viewers had the opportunity to ask questions and engage in an active debate.

Today, I want to focus mostly on the debate/Q&A session that occurred towards the end of the digital dialogue. One topic that was discussed was the framework of humans rights and how this framework could be improved. The host asked the three key note speakers what kind of human rights frame work should be used during this time/how human rights could be improved at this time. Sharon Yam explained that activists must learn how to collaborate as a group to produce a possible framework for human rights. The government throws around the term “human rights” but may not prioritize such a concept. Sharon Yam and later Tiffany King explained that political groups must compose their human rights frameworks based off of input given from real people who are dealing with real issues first hand. The two keynote speakers encouraged others to break the boundaries of human right and expand the “norm.”

Iyko Day, another keynote speaker, spoke about the human rights framework in Spain and how it differs greatly from the United States. In Spain, life is considered much more “precious” as Day explained. This keynote speaker emphasized that the United States does not have the same about of respect for human life or human rights.

Overall, this discussion was focused around how the United States government and everyday citizens should be tackling the issues that exist in society today. Obviously there are real issues that exist in our country regarding racial inequality and the Coronavirus pandemic. The goal of this event was to discuss the three key note speakers research finding and discuss the next steps that should taken by our government.

There are obvious applications of this discussion to the topics covered in the International Affairs Scholars Program. One of the main ideals of IA is to respect the opinions of others and learn how to collaborate despite differences. Our nation has become quite divided over these last few months. It seems that in everything Americans do, there is a divide. It is important, as IA scholars, to encourage others to listen to each other. We do not all have to agree, but being respectful of other perspectives and other opinions is vital for a successful community.