Activist Quote by Ray McGovern
“We all have a responsibility, and as Rabbi Heschel, one of my prophets, has put it: "Those who condone, or are silent, in the face of injustice, are more guilty than the perpetrators." And so, to the degree we pretend to be a democracy, we have a corresponding duty to be activist enough to prevent our human rights form being infringed upon.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Interview, 2015, Ray McGovern on human rights activism
Silence in the face of injustice makes one complicit, demanding active defense of human rights in a democracy.
In simple terms: Being silent is as bad as committing the wrong.
Key Takeaway
Speak up, act against injustice.
Themes
justice
activism
responsibility
democracy
Mood
determined
urgent
Type
ethical
political
When to use this quote
- political protests
- community organizing
- voting
- social media campaigns
Key Concepts
moral complicity
civic duty
human rights
Questions to Reflect On
- What injustices are you ignoring?
- How can you turn concern into action?
A Different Perspective
Silence may protect the individual but can enable systemic oppression.
![“Some kinds of activists are more willing to try stuff out, see if works and think on their feet, but some of the people who are working on [change] find that very difficult: They've been schooled into thinking you have to come up with the perfect plan in advance. It has become a bit technocratic.” quote by Duncan Green](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/d17/duncan-green-20105_activist_some-kinds-of-activists-are-more-willing_57391.jpg)
