Skip to content

Both morally and practically, segregation is to me a basic…

“Both morally and practically, segregation is to me a basic injustice. Since I believe it to be so, I must attempt to remove it. There are three ways in which one can deal with an injustice. (a) One can accept it without protest. (b) On can seek to avoid it. (c) One can resist the injustice…” quote by Bayard Rustin
Download Open image
“Both morally and practically, segregation is to me a basic injustice. Since I believe it to be so, I must attempt to remove it. There are three ways in which one can deal with an injustice. (a) One can accept it without protest. (b) On can seek to avoid it. (c) One can resist the injustice non-violently. To accept it is to perpetuate it.”

Bayard Rustin

About This Quote

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

Segregation is a fundamental injustice that must be confronted; passive acceptance sustains it, avoidance evades responsibility, and non‑violent resistance is the moral response.

In simple terms: Segregation is unjust; fight it non‑violently.

Key Takeaway

Choose non‑violent resistance.

Themes

justice non‑violence civil rights morality

Mood

determined hopeful

Type

activist inspirational

When to use this quote

  • community organizing
  • education campaigns
  • policy advocacy
  • peaceful protest

Key Concepts

ethical duty social change activism

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can you support non‑violent actions?
  • What risks do you face when confronting injustice?
A Different Perspective

Non‑violent resistance may be suppressed by violent opposition.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Bayard Rustin

Explore all 51 Bayard Rustin quotes

More Accepting quotes

Browse all 6,788 Accepting quotes