Abstract
Whereas supposedly disseminated by the United States, human rights have always been used by it as a tool of propaganda. It was so successful in their manipulation that, up to now, when observers show surprise at President Trump’s initiatives, such as quitting the United Nations’ Human Rights Council, they tend to be seen as new gestures of an absurd leadership. Although indeed Trump seems a frightening caricature of current worldwide trends, selectivity in this area has been continuous; instrumental use of the human rights system is the same as always, and the US targets remain similar. In contrast with the past, however, present effects, in a global scenario of growing authoritarianism, are far more ominous. On the other hand, also by American influence, but coming from civil society, rights promoted are no longer those of the Universal Declaration of 1948. This paper points to the marks of these constant concerns of mine and to the possibility of a renewed focus on the rights of every person as an alternative to the false “Americanization” of existing societies.
Keywords:
Human Rights; Minority Rights; Politics of Identity; United States; Trump; United Nations; Brazilian Elections; Left-Right Political Spectrum