Blame Quote by Jared Cohen
“Technology is a tool, and it's a platform. Nobody gets arrested for being a blogger; people get arrested for dissent. Nobody gets arrested for putting information about themselves online; they get arrested for being an activist. I'm a strong believer in the fact that you should not blame the tools; you should blame the circumstances.”
About This Quote
Tools are neutral; responsibility lies with the context and how they are used, especially regarding dissent and activism.
In simple terms: Tools are neutral; blame the situation, not the tool.
Focus on shaping fair circumstances rather than blaming technology.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- protests
- online publishing
- journalism
- policy advocacy
- legal defense
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we protect activists without restricting tools?
- What policies balance security and free expression?
Blaming tools can overlook systemic issues that need reform.