Children Quote by Coretta Scott King
“I must remind you that starving a child is violence. Suppressing a culture is violence. Neglecting school children is violence. Punishing a mother and her family is violence. Discrimination against a working man is violence. Ghetto housing is violence. Ignoring medical need is violence. Contempt for poverty is violence.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Public address on social justice, 1970s
Violence includes systemic neglect and oppression that harms vulnerable groups, not just physical force.
In simple terms: Systemic neglect is also violence.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and act against all forms of structural harm.
Themes
justice
inequality
human rights
systemic oppression
Mood
urgent
determined
Type
activist
advocacy
When to use this quote
- education policy
- housing reform
- healthcare access
- anti‑discrimination initiatives
Key Concepts
social determinants
structural violence
equity
Questions to Reflect On
- How can institutions transform policies to reduce structural harm?
- What personal actions can combat everyday violence?
A Different Perspective
Addressing systemic issues requires deep societal change, not just awareness.
![“A part of that [timewrap] for me was growing up in a culture that violence had always been a part of. It wasn't an aberration, though I realize that in retrospect. I grew up in the part of the U.S. where all of Cormac McCarthy's novels are set and that's a pretty violent place.” quote by William Gibson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/104/william-gibson-642_aberration_a-part-of-that-timewrap-for-me-was-growi_553449.jpg)
![“I'd much rather talk to a 30-year old that survived rough times in their lives [practicing Straight Edge] rather than someone that was harmed by a culture of violence.” quote by Ian MacKaye](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/a35/ian-mackaye-3369_culture_i-d-much-rather-talk-to-a-30-year-old-th_76450.jpg)
![“People have to allow themselves to be used by God and Martin [Luther King, Jr.] committed himself totally to God's will and purpose and God is always waiting for someone who is willing to do that.” quote by Coretta Scott King](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/c5e/coretta-scott-king-3912_always-waiting_people-have-to-allow-themselves-to-be-us_326548.jpg)
