The spelling of the phrase "rights matter" can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). The first word, "rights," is spelled as /raɪts/. The "r" sound is pronounced at the beginning, followed by a long "ai" sound and a "ts" sound. The second word, "matter," is spelled as /ˈmætər/. The stress is on the first syllable and the "a" sounds like the "a" in "cat." The second syllable is pronounced like "ter" and ends with a reduced vowel sound. Overall, the spelling accurately represents the pronunciation of these important words.
Rights matter refers to the fundamental principle that individual entitlements and freedoms are significant and should be upheld within a society. It highlights the idea that every person possesses certain inherent rights, such as the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, which must be respected, protected, and promoted by the government and its institutions.
The concept of rights matter rests upon the understanding that human rights are not mere privileges granted by the state, but rather inherent to every individual by virtue of their humanity. It recognizes that all people should be treated with dignity, equality, and fairness, regardless of their race, gender, religion, nationality, or any other characteristic. Advocates of rights matter affirm the importance of both civil and political rights, such as the right to vote or freedom of expression, as well as economic, social, and cultural rights, including the right to education, healthcare, and adequate standards of living.
Promoting the idea that rights matter involves raising awareness about the significance of human rights, advocating for their protection and enforcement, and challenging instances of discrimination, oppression, and injustice. It requires the establishment of legal frameworks that secure these rights and the creation of mechanisms to address violations. Ultimately, the principle of rights matter is about creating a just and inclusive society where all individuals can fully exercise their rights and participate in the civic, social, and economic life of their communities.
The phrase "rights matter" does not have a specific etymology as it is a combination of two dictionary words. The word "rights" comes from Old English "riht" meaning "just, good, fair", and has evolved to refer to entitlements or freedoms that are inherent to all individuals. The word "matter" originates from Latin "materia" meaning "substance, subject", and has come to mean something of importance or significance. Together, the phrase "rights matter" expresses the idea that the protection and recognition of individual rights are of great importance.