Argument Quote by H. Rap Brown
“But black people fall for that same argument, and they go around talking about law breakers. We did not make the laws in this country. We are neither morally nor legally confined to those laws. Those laws that keep them up, keep us down.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Public address, 1960s civil rights movement, United States
The speaker argues that laws are created by those in power and that marginalized groups are unfairly blamed for breaking them, while the laws themselves oppress them.
In simple terms: Laws favor the powerful; marginalized are blamed for breaking them.
Key Takeaway
Question unjust laws and seek systemic change.
Themes
justice
power
oppression
law
civil rights
Mood
defiant
critical
urgent
Type
political
activist
When to use this quote
- activist rallies
- policy reform
- community organizing
- legal challenges
Key Concepts
systemic inequality
legal legitimacy
social control
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you differentiate between unjust laws and personal wrongdoing?
- What actions can effectively challenge oppressive legal systems?
A Different Perspective
The argument may overlook individuals who do break laws for personal gain.
