Many claim that it is insane to resist the system; but actually, it is insane not to.
Interpretation
Resisting oppressive systems is a rational act, while acquiescing to them is a form of insanity.
In this quote, Mumia Abu-Jamal emphasizes the importance of questioning and resisting oppressive societal systems. He argues that conforming to such systems, which often perpetuate injustice, is not only passive but ultimately detrimental, suggesting that true sanity lies in active resistance against injustice.
In practice
During a rally for social justice, to motivate attendees to take action against systemic issues.
At the risk of quoting Mephistopheles I repeat: Welcome to hell. A hell erected and maintained by human-governments, and blessed by black robed judges. A hell that allows you to see your loved ones, but not to touch them. A hell situated in America's boondocks, hundreds of miles away from most families. A white, rural hell, where most of the captives are black and urban. It is an American way of death.
Do you see law and order? There is nothing but disorder, and instead of law there is the illusion of security. It is an illusion because it is built on a long history of injustices: racism, criminality, and the genocide of millions. Many people say it is insane to resist the system, but actually, it is insane not to.
Prison is a second-by-second assault on the soul, a day-to-day degradation of the self, an oppressive steel and brick umbrella that transforms seconds into hours and hours into days.
How can one be compelled to accept slavery? I simply refuse to do the master's bidding. He may torture me, break my bones to atoms and even kill me. He will then have my dead body, not my obedience. Ultimately, therefore, it is I who am the victor and not he, for he has failed in getting me to do what he wanted done.
Something must be left to chance; nothing is certain in a sea fight
I know I have the body of a weak and feeble woman, but I have the heart and stomach of a king, and of a king of England too.
I'm for human lib, the liberation of all people, not just black people or female people or gay people.
LGBT people are some of the bravest and most potent change agents and leaders I have encountered, and the most forceful defenders of the vulnerable and voiceless, because they know what it's like to be there.
I do not accept being a prisoner of fear. Of Communism, of fascism. That, one can bear. But of one's fear. No. Never.
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