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States have invested themselves with the right to…

“States have invested themselves with the right to legitimise violence - so who gets criminalised and delegitimised? Only - or well that's excessive - usually, the resistance.” quote by Arundhati Roy
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“States have invested themselves with the right to legitimise violence - so who gets criminalised and delegitimised? Only - or well that's excessive - usually, the resistance.”

Arundhati Roy

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

State authority legitimizes violence, while resistance is often criminalized, revealing a double standard.

In simple terms: States legitimize violence; resistance is criminalized.

Key Takeaway

Question authority’s double standards.

Themes

power violence resistance

Mood

critical thought‑provoking

Type

political philosophical

When to use this quote

  • protests
  • legal battles
  • civil disobedience
  • policy critique

Key Concepts

political theory human rights

Questions to Reflect On

  • Who decides legitimate violence?
  • What protects resistance from criminalization?
A Different Perspective

Resistance may also use violence.

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