Injustice takes many forms. Racial discrimination, sexism, unfair wages, poverty and other violations of human rights are just a few examples. When injustice is exposed, people are better equipped to call for accountability and make changes that build a better, more just world for everyone. Here are 15 quotes on exposing injustice in society:
“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” – Martin Luther King Jr.
Martin Luther King Jr. (1929-1968) was an American minister and figurehead of the Civil Rights Movement. His activism focused on racial equality, economic justice, peace and human rights. The quote above comes from the famous “Letter from a Birmingham Jail,” which King wrote while imprisoned in Birmingham, Alabama. King’s letter confronted the religious leaders who wondered why King, who was from Georgia, should care so much about issues in Alabama. Injustice is never isolated to one area. It threatens everyone.
“Some things you must always be unable to bear. Some things you must never stop refusing to bear. Injustice and outrage and dishonor and shame. No matter how young you are or how old you have got. Not for kudos and not for cash: your picture in the paper nor money in the bank either. Just refuse to bear them.” – William Faulkner
William Faulkner (1897-1962) was an American writer considered one of the 20th century’s best novelists. Many of his works focus on Yoknapatawpha County, a fictional Mississippi county. Intruder in the Dark, which the quote above is from, is one example. In the story, a 16-year-old boy tries to save the life of an elderly Black man who is falsely arrested for murder.
