Would you agree with the view that the message of universal rights was beset with contradictions? Explain.
Yes, the message of universal rights was beset with contradictions. Though it laid emphasis on the three fundamental principles of liberty, equality and fraternity, it is a great contribution of France to the world. But philosophers like Marat and journalists such as Camike Desmoulins have cautioned not to take the different rights to the extreme since they give foul smell or taste sour.
(i) The Women challenged the Declaration of Rights for discrimination on the basis of sex.
(ii) Jean Paul Marat criticized the right to represent the people given in the Constitution as it was available to only rich; poor and oppressed were deprived of this right.
(iii) Desmoulins criticized the Reign of Terror for keeping the liberty under discipline before it attains maturity.
My right of liberty does not mean that I should finish off all my enemies.