The Rise and Fall of Human Rights caused me to think about the true intentions of human right workers, and the issues that come with it. Lori Allen chose to look at the issues in Palestine to combat the issues of huaman rights. I understand the cynicistic view that Palestinians have of HROs and NGOs. "Palestinians figure that most Westerners hold idealistic views of human rights as universal standards, and they expect Westerners to criticize Palestinianas for not upholding them" (7). When I read this quote by Allen, I immediately though of Mohanty in the westernization of feminism. Somehow, the Western world not only sets the standard of human rights, but also defines this standard. This is problematic in that selfless NGO and HRO work can quickly become paternalistic. The mindset of human rights workers from this perspective is flawed in that the approach to human rights becomes helping places like Palestine reach the standard, rather than helping them reach the goal of everyone having human rights.  Like Allen points out, "It is the tainting of human rights  by the human rights industry that so many in Palestine reject" (4).

In my opinion, the simple fact that you can refer to human rights work as an industry is problematic in and of itself. It implies that human rights work is a field of work instead of a field community service. In any situationm whenever philanthrpy or community service becomes driven by money, the inentions of those individuals are questioned. I instantly thought of two instances that made me question the intentions of human rights workers: Hurrican Katrina and the earthquake in Haiti.  There was a time when I could not get on the internet or turn on the tv and not see a donation request for the victims of these catastrophic events. I read about the amount of money that was raised for the cause and I was happy that such financial support could begin the healing and revitalization of these communities; however, I did not see the changes, or the steps toward rebuilding the community that these fundraisers were claiming to aid. I did not realize, until reading this book, that people who do these fundraisers and ask for donations for the victims of such tragedies get paid for their efforts. How are they getting paid? The only logical and possible way is through the generous donations of theri supporters. it is understandable how Palestine may have a negative view of human right workers. It seems as if they only interested in personal fulfillment and doing their "job"  (becaue it is a job). Fighting for the rights of individuals should not be identified as a market for financial opportunity, but as a volunteering. There seems to be more honest intentions in volunteer efforts.