Human Rights (Introducing Issues with Opposing Viewpoints)

Grade 8 Up—Friedman covers a wide array of topics from the right to have health care to a discussion of our country's attitude toward human rights compared to those of other nations. Reprints of recent journal articles present various positions and are preceded by questions that encourage students to think critically about the pros and cons of each issue. The articles are uneven—some are fear-instilling tirades while others are generous and humanitarian. Some articles promote the use of sweatshops, consider that clean water is not a human right, and do not think the United States should protect the human rights of people in other countries. The opposing viewpoint on each of these issues follows. Although the color charts and graphs are helpful, the photographs add little.