The Rights Revolution

The Rights Revolution by Michael Ignatieff, published by House of Anansi in 2007, is a thought-provoking exploration of the evolution of rights discourse since the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948. This 2nd edition, comprising 170 pages, delves into how rights have become central to public discussions in Canada, influencing debates from family dynamics to political arenas. Ignatieff examines the complexities surrounding aboriginal rights and the linguistic heritage of French-speaking Canadians, highlighting the contentious nature of the ongoing rights revolution.

Readers will find Ignatieff addressing critical questions about the balance between group rights and individual rights, as well as the implications of the Charter of Rights on Canadian society. The book presents a nuanced discussion on whether the assertion of rights empowers citizens or merely benefits legal professionals. Through essays that engage with themes of political science, civil rights, and human rights, The Rights Revolution invites readers to reflect on the responsibilities that accompany the assertion of rights in contemporary discourse.