Humanitarianism

Humanitarianism refers to an informal ideology of practice, whereby people practice humane treatment and provide assistance to others.

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Humanitarianism is based on a view that all human beings deserve respect and dignity and should be treated as such. Therefore, humanitarians work towards advancing the well-being of humanity as a whole. Humanitarianism is the antithesis of the "us vs. them" mentality that characterizes tribalism and ethnic nationalism. Humanitarians abhor slavery, cannibalism, and discrimination on the basis of features such as color of skin, ancestry, place of birth, etc. Humanitarianism is embraced by movements and people across the political spectrum, and particularly (but not exclusively) by leftists.

Related Topics:
Tribalism - Ethnic nationalism - Slavery - Cannibalism - Discrimination - Leftist

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Humanitarianism was probably most publicly seen in the social reforms of the late 1800s and early 1900s, following the economoic turmoil of the Industrial Revolution in England. Many of the women in Great Britain who were involved with feminism during the 1900s also pushed humanitarianism. The atrocious hours and working conditions of children and unskilled laborers were made illegal by pressure on Parliament by humanitarians. The Factory Acts of 1833 and 1844 were some of the most significant humanitarian bills passed in Parliament following the Industrial Revolution.

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A Humanitarian is one who is devoted to human welfare.

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