We live in a society of an imposed forgetfulness, a society that depends on public amnesia.
Angela DavisRead
There is so much history of this racist violence that simply to bring one person to justice is not going to disturb the whole racist edifice.
Interpretation
True justice requires more than just individual accountability; systemic issues must also be addressed.
Angela Davis asserts that addressing racist violence necessitates a broader approach than merely holding one individual accountable. The quote highlights the deep-rooted nature of racism in society, suggesting that until the overall structure that preserves such violence is dismantled, true justice cannot be achieved.
In practice
This quote can be used in a speech at a civil rights rally to emphasize the need for systemic change.
We live in a society of an imposed forgetfulness, a society that depends on public amnesia.
Well, we see an increasingly weaker labor movement as a result of the overall assault on the labor movement and as a result of the globalization of capital.
Racism is a much more clandestine, much more hidden kind of phenomenon, but at the same time it's perhaps far more terrible than it's ever been.
Imprisonment has become the response of first resort to far too many of our social problems.
It's true that it's within the realm of cultural politics that young people tend to work through political issues, which I think is good, although it's not going to solve the problems
Radical simply means 'grasping things at the root.'
Unless men are active allies, we'll never end violence against women and girls.
The ability and inclination to use physical strength is no indication of bravery or tenacity to life. The greatest cowards are often the greatest bullies. Nothing is cheaper and more common than physical bravery.
People with courage and character always seem sinister to the rest.
In a society like this there is no negotiation, no discussion, except to tell you that power can crush you any time they want β not only you, your whole family and all people like you.
Romeo: Courage, man; the hurt cannot be much. Mercutio: No, 'tis not so deep as a well, nor so wide as a church-door; but 'tis enough, 'twill serve. Ask for me tomorrow, and you shall find me a grave man.
King of England, and you, duke of Bedford, who call yourself regent of the kingdom of France... settle your debt to the king of Heaven; return to the Maiden, who is envoy of the king of Heaven, the keys to all the good towns you took and violated in France.
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