If I was a boy, nobody would care that I worked out six, seven hours a day when I was 9 years old, no? Why were people always saying 'poor little girl?' I liked to work out and always did more than I was asked to.
Bullies, oppressors and all men who do violence to the rights of others are guilty not only of their own crimes, but also of the corruption they bring into the hearts of their victims.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote highlights the dual impact of violence: the perpetrator's wrongdoing and the subsequent harm inflicted on victims.
In this powerful statement by Alessandro Manzoni, the focus is placed on the detrimental effects of bullying and oppression, not only affecting the victims directly but also corrupting their sense of self and humanity. Manzoni suggests that those who commit acts of violence do not act in isolation; their actions inflict lasting emotional damage on their victims, perpetuating a cycle of trauma and moral decay that harms both parties involved.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
During a speech on human rights, this quote can be used to emphasize the importance of standing against oppressors.
Similar quotes
For without belittling the courage with which men have died, we should not forget those acts of courage with which men have lived.
It comes to this then: there always have been people like me and always will be, and generally they have been persecuted.
I was in my thirteenth year when I heard a voice from God to help me govern my conduct. And the first time I was very much afraid.
The real point is that you cannot harbor malice toward others and then cry foul when someone displays intolerance against you. Prejudice tolerated is intolerance encouraged. Rise up in righteousness when you witness the words and deeds of hate, but only if you are willing to rise up against them all, including your own. Otherwise suffer the slings and arrows of disrespect silently.
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