Balancing rights and responsibilities

emphasis (n.) – акцент;

to concern (v.) – касаться;

neglect (n.) – пренебрежение;

responsibility (n.) – ответственность;

to govern (v.) – управлять;

to extend (v.) – расширять;

evidence (n.) – свидетельство;

to respond (v.) – реагировать на что-либо;

to be excluded (v.) – быть исключенным;

to attend (v.) – следить (например за информацией).

The emphasis on rights in the United States has led some people to criticize America for being too concerned with citizens' rights while neglecting their responsibilities. Some say that "with every right there goes a responsibility" and urge citizens to act more responsibly toward one another, their families, and their communities.

Critics cite America's emphasis on individual rights as evidence of "radical individualism," which has resulted in a self-centered focus and the loss of a sense of community. While individual rights are important, they must be matched by social responsibilities, these critics say. For example, if people wish to be tried by juries of their peers, they must be willing to serve on such juries. If they want to be governed by elected officials who respond to their values and needs, they must not only vote but also get involved in other ways: attend election forums, work for candidates, and run for positions on school boards, county councils, and community associations, for example.

Americans justifiably have great respect for laws extending rights to citizens, including women, minorities, and persons with disabilities, who were previously excluded from full participation in society. Many laws, however, also require citizens to act responsibly: Parents must provide their children with adequate food, shelter, and clothing; drivers must obey traffic laws; and all workers must pay taxes.

Other critics of the emphasis on rights in America point out that "because you have a legal right to do (or not to do) something does not mean it is the right thing to do." For example, people have the right not to call the police to report a crime, but almost everyone would agree that failing to report a crime is not the "right" thing to do. Similarly, the First Amendment guarantee of freedom of speech sometimes gives people the right to say hateful and abusive things to others, but it does not make such speech "right." Summarizing the situation, one critic said, "Rights do not automatically make for Tightness."

Ex. 1. Find the equivalents for the following words and expressions in the text:

особое значение, радикальный индивидуализм, предвыборное собрание, меньшинство, цитировать, первая поправка, соблюдать законы, требовать от граждан ответственного поведения, общественные организации, оскорбительный, подытоживая.

Ex. 2. Match the words on the left with the correct definition on the right:

Дата добавления: 2015-11-14