The paradoxes of human rights defenders

The conditions of human rights undoubtedly play an important role in measuring the civilization of mankind. But the criticisms from some countries and organizations are too arrogant.

Those criticisms, whatever benign or not, invariably neglect the cultural and economic differences among different countries, regions and ethnic groups.

As a result of varied social, economic and cultural development, human rights are defined by various groups of people, who are guided by different philosophies, thoughts and customs. These determinants influence both the connotations and definitions of human rights.

Therefore, what criticisms from human rights defenders reveal are their own blemishes not the problems of the target countries. The way they defend human rights contradicts the goal of the human rights. The critics always feel superior when they bash others for their "inferior" thoughts, etiquette, lifestyle and healthcare.

In my opinion, first of all, the views of the critics may not be objective and comprehensive. They may often exaggerate the details and ignore the fundamental elements, such as how the target country strives for its achievements based on its peculiar historical background and environment. Besides, often come to the wrong conclusions about the behaviors of the target people. This can lead to misunderstanding by critics who would then shape up a wrong view of the target country.

Criticisms can easily be stereotyped and simplified -- a result of ignoring the target country's complicated phenomena and essence. There is a common psyche of the critics who are not tolerant. Without tolerance, which decides personal, social and cultural capabilities, there would be no profundity of knowledge.

Second, even if the critics hit the nail on the head, they hold the wrong attitude and deviate from the true value of human rights. Criticism is never a good way to communicate or help. Sometimes, it will trigger disgust and hatred which will counteract the good intention of the critics, if they are supposed to raise criticisms for good.

Not to criticize others too severely is a general principle of individual communication, however, it can also be applied to communication and exchanges between countries. Mutual understanding and mutual respect are enduring prerequisites for the overall development of human rights.

There is not a single perfect object, culture, society or social system in the world. And China, which has accumulated numerous lingering problems over more than 5,000 years of history, is no exception. In this country, every change is hard and slow. We should never expect the transformation to be completed in one step.

If the critics really want to help, they should pay more attention to the country's strong desire and relentless efforts in improving human rights. It would be better for them to understand, encourage and support China's improvement rather than sneer, criticize and bash its development.

The author is the assistant of the chief editor of the Beijing Review.

The unabridged article is first published in Chinese and translated by Wu Jin.