Jul 24, 2018
To Blindly Accept Injustice Is to Support It
Put up a fight for what’s right.
“Daddy, that man just stole a chair from the coffee shop!” Timmy exclaimed with worry.
“Well,” his father sighed, “sometimes people steal things. It is very bad, but that’s the way the world is.”
“Mommy, come look at the news!” Daisy shrieked, confused and frightened all at once. “A student just killed people at his school!”
“That’s terrible,” her mother consoled. “Such actions are very bad, but unfortunately, sometimes people kill each other. That’s the way the world is.”
“Hey dude, did you hear about how John got beaten up by Drake at lunch today? The bullying never stops,” said Clark, concerned.
“It happens,” dismissed Mark with indifference. “Some people win, and some people lose; that’s what bullying is about. That’s the way the world is.”
I’ve observed countless interactions like the ones above, and I have something that needs to be said.
Just because “that’s the way the world is” doesn’t mean that’s how it should be.
I don’t know when such defeatist mentality was adopted by the masses, but truthfully, it’s rather pathetic and is a large reason why many of the world’s problems aren’t so actively tackled.
I often like to discuss people’s plans for the future. When I’m asked about mine, I tell them how I’d like to make the world a better place and help people overcome their problems.
Upon mentioning some sort of grand problem in the world, I am often met with remarks that more or less boil down to, “Well, that’s the way the world is,” or “There’s nothing that can be done.”
People who say this most of the time don’t support said problem, but only resort to giving it the thought of “Well, that’s just how it is. Even though I don’t like it, I’m just going to complain about it and acknowledge that it’s there and not do anything.”
To be frank, that’s rather unproductive and translates roughly into the same thing as supporting the problem.
If you see something you don’t agree with, why not take a stand against it? Do something. Take action. Don’t just stand idly and let it slide. Not taking action against immoralities is pretty much the same as condoning them.
“The world will not be destroyed by those who do evil, but by those who watch them without doing anything.”
I’ve witnessed countless forms of evidence of people refusing to actively respond to acts of assault and robbery in broad daylight where people walk to and from. I sure bet that if you asked them in another time and place if they support either crime, they would condemn the crimes. Maybe some bold folks would throw in, “Well, assault and robbery happen all the time.” The more defeatist but concerned few would say, “Even if I stop one assault or robbery, it still happens around the world; nothing I can do.”
And somehow prevalence of an unjust event justifies not wanting to do anything about it.
Look, I get it.
Using the examples above, maybe you’re worried about putting yourselves in harm’s way for someone you don’t even know.
You are afraid you’re going to jeopardize your own safety or well-being for something that isn’t worth the risk.
You see the problems of this world as behemoths compared to yourself, and in the face of that difference, you cower and lie belly-up.
To even attempt to fight or tackle such issues would be reckless and ill-thought, and all will be for naught.
You tell yourself that even though you disagree with immorality, there’s nothing you can do about it.
When plenty of other people tell themselves that same story, what happens?
Nothing. And that’s the problem.
As someone who was created to go against the grain, I can tell you that the status quo seriously needs work.
Maybe you already know that, but what are you doing to change it?
I’m taking a firm stand today to tell you to act upon the injustice you see; don’t just look at it like a deer in headlights.
Imagine yourselves in the same predicaments as the victims you witness falling prey to injustice. Imagine not receiving help in spite of wanting it, needing it. Suddenly you see another version of yourself, watching as you drown, as you get robbed, as you get beaten.
Don’t just watch someone in their struggle. Help your neighbor.
Stand firm and strong in the face of the problems of this world and fight against them. Scare them. Raise your arms above your head, stomp, and growl at them if you must.
Somewhere, your actions will be helping others. Your assistance is not for naught.
You disagree with immorality and you can do something about it.
Don’t tell yourself you can’t do anything. Don’t give up before you even start.
Do something. You’ve got this.
