Question

Would you agree with the view that the message of universal rights was beset with contradictions? Explain.

Answer 1

Yes, the declaration of universal rights was contradicting its own language on many aspects. It talked about universality or applicability across the board but enforced discrimination by its dubious and vague wordings. Some contradictions are discussed below:

• Many ideas in the "Declaration of Rights of Man and Citizen" were replete with dubious meanings. For example, "the law has the right to forbid only actions injurious to society" had nothing to say about criminal offenses against other individuals.
• The declaration stated that "law is the expression of the general will. All citizens have the right to participate in its formation. All citizens are equal before it", but when France became a constitutional monarchy, almost 3 million citizens including men who did not pay sufficient taxes, women and men under the age of 25 were not allowed to vote at all.

Hence, by these universal rights poor and women were neglected. Constitution was only available for the rich.