Early Ideas of Democracy and Human Rights

Today I read in the text that many believe “democracy” and “human rights” go hand in hand but that’s not always the case. The text gives examples of ancient democratic societies and their standards for human rights. Here are my interpretations below.

Ancient Greece – In the sixth century BCE male citizens of Athens had the right to vote, partake in debates and could participate in the Olympics. Greece was considered a democratic society but it didn’t have equal human rights. Women were treated unequally and Greece also endorsed the use of slaves.

Ancient Rome - In the first century CE Roman emperor Claudius decreed that contoured people should become Roman citizens and could even become part of the Senate. He also enforced laws protecting slaves who were sick. Although slaves had their heath cared for they were still slaves, second-class citizens and didn’t have full human rights.

Ancient India – In the first or second century CE the Laws of Manu were written for Ancient India. The laws were formed from traditions that existed long before that and consisted of statements of how women, children, and various members of different classes of people – according to Hindu religion – should be treated and how they should behave. At first glance this may seem like a good way of ensuring human rights but for women these rights weren’t always fair or just. For example, it states that wives should worship their husbands as gods, women must never do anything independently and should always be accompanied by a man.