aren't they the very reason I have to try to fight? Because what has been done to them is so wrong, so beyond justification, so evil that there is no choice? Because no one has the right to treat them as they have been treated?
Interpretation
The quote emphasizes the moral obligation to stand up against injustice and fight for those who have been wronged.
In this quote, Suzanne Collins articulates a deep sense of responsibility that arises when witnessing injustice. It underscores the notion that we cannot remain passive when others suffer; instead, we must act courageously on their behalf. The evils inflicted upon the vulnerable compel a response, illustrating the importance of empathy and moral action in confronting wrongdoing. Collins suggests that fighting for justice is not just a choice but a necessary duty.
In practice
During a speech against discrimination, one might use this quote to highlight the need for action.
But Mockingjays were never a weapon," said Madge. "They’re just songbirds. Right?" "Yeah, I guess so,” I said, But it’s not true. A mockingbird is just a songbird. A mockingjay is a creature the capitol never intended to exist. They hadn’t counted on the highly controlled jabberjay having the brains to adapt to the wild, to thrive in a new form. They hadn’t anticipated its will to live.
Okay, listen to me, you're stronger than they are. You are. They just want a good show, that's all they want. You know how to hunt. Show them how good you are.
You're still trying to protect me. Real or not real," he whispers. "Real," I answer. "Because that's what you and I do, protect each other.
The ones I loved fly as birds in the open sky above me. Soaring, weaving, calling to me to join them. I want so badly to follow them, but the seawater saturates my wings, making it impossible to lift them. The ones I hated have taken to the water, horrible scaled things that tear my salty flesh with needle teeth. Biting again and again. Dragging me beneath the surface.
My time in the arena made me realize how I needed to stop punishing [my mother] for something she couldn't help, specifically the crushing depression she fell into after my father's death. Because sometimes things happen to people and they're not equipped to deal with them.
Fire is catching! And if we burn, you burn with us!
During the course of 1989, more and more East Germans lost their fears of the state's repression and chicanery and went out on the streets. There was no turning back then. It is thanks to their courage the Wall was opened.
I fought all my life for women to make their own choices, in their personal and professional lives. I made mine.
Valor grows by daring, fear by holding back.
All Marines, sailors and civilian Marines, regardless of sexual orientation, are Marines first. Every Marine is a valued member of our war-fighting team.
A young man should ask himself not if it is his duty to go to the heathen, but if he may dare stay at home. The command is so plain: “Go.”
Let the fear of a danger be a spur to prevent it; he that fears not, gives advantage to the danger.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.