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Politicians and lawmakers are willing to watch us take us a knee, watch us march, watch us picket and protest - and wait us out. They are willing and prepared to outlast us - and, in most cases, to do absolutely nothing about the problems we highlight and amplify.
Shaun King
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Interpretation

What this quote means

This quote reflects the frustration with politicians who respond to protests with inaction.

Shaun King's quote emphasizes the disillusionment many feel towards politicians and lawmakers who observe protests against societal issues but fail to take meaningful action. It highlights a systemic problem where those in power may choose to wait out public outcry rather than address the concerns being raised, ultimately leading to a sense of helplessness among activists and demonstrators.

Themes

ProtestPoliticiansChangeActivismInaction

In practice

Example use cases

This quote can be used in a speech advocating for social justice to illustrate the importance of accountability from leaders.

More from Shaun King

We must put an end to the corruption and systemic racism in our justice system, and that starts by electing progressive district attorneys who will fight for real justice across the country.
Shaun KingRead
It's always important, when we experience injustice in this nation, that people in power understand that we will not take that injustice quietly.
Shaun KingRead
When I travel and speak across the country, I often tell college students that we are making a significant mistake when we say to each other that this criminal justice of ours is broken. To say it's broken would be to suggest that it was well designed and had good intentions from the start.
Shaun KingRead
When the primary people who have influence and power in our communities are not even really allowed to educate you on who to vote for and against, we're in trouble.
Shaun KingRead
Adults who loved and knew me, on many occasions sat me down and told me that I was black. As you could imagine, this had a profound impact on me and soon became my truth. Every friend I had was black; my girlfriends were black. I was seen as black, treated as black, and endured constant overt racism as a young black teenager.
Shaun KingRead
While I am furious about injustice, I do what I do, fighting against it, out of a place of love.
Shaun KingRead

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