Media bias Quote by Titus Livy
““Others Exonerated the plebs and threw the blame upon the patricians: it was owing to their artful canvassing that the plebeians found the road to office blocked; if the plebs might have a breathing-spell from the mingled prayers and menaces of the nobles, they would think of their friends when they went to vote, and to the protection they had already won would add authority. It was resolved in order to do away with canvassing, that the tribunes should propose a law forbidding anyone to whiten his toga, for the purpose of announcing himself a candidate. This may now appear a trivial thing and one scarcely to be considered seriously, but at the time it kindled a furious struggle between the patricians and the plebs. Yet the tribunes prevailed and carried their law: and it was clear that the plebeians in their irritated mood would support the men of their own order.””
About This Quote
Source Historical Text: Ab Urbe Condita, Book 5, 5th century BC
The plebeians used political tactics to counter patrician dominance, leading to a law that restricted candidate displays, sparking struggle but ultimately empowering the plebs.
In simple terms: Plebeians fought patricians with law changes to gain political voice.
Key Takeaway
Support fair political representation.
Themes
politics
social struggle
law
class conflict
Mood
analytical
historical
Type
Media bias:0
Politics:1
Struggle Patricians:1
Blame Patricians:0
Plebs Tribunes:1
Canvassing Plebeians:0
Patricians Plebs:0
When to use this quote
- civic engagement
- policy making
- historical analysis
Key Concepts
ancient Rome
citizen rights
political reform
Questions to Reflect On
- How can modern societies ensure equitable political participation?
- What lessons does this ancient struggle teach today?
A Different Perspective
The law may have been symbolic rather than substantive.
