Injustice Laws: Resistance, Resilience, And Revolution

The phrase when injustice becomes law, resistance becomes duty is commonly misattributed to Thomas Jefferson. It captures some of the ideas that Jefferson expressed in the Declaration of Independence, such as the right and duty of the people to overthrow a government that seeks to reduce them under absolute Despotism.

Resistance as a moral duty

The phrase "when injustice becomes law, resistance becomes duty" is often attributed to Thomas Jefferson, although this statement has not been found in his writings. Nevertheless, the sentiment captures some of the ideas that Jefferson expressed in the Declaration of Independence, where he wrote:

> "...when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government..."

The idea that resistance becomes a moral duty when injustice becomes law is a powerful one. It suggests that when laws are unjust, it is not only the right but also the responsibility of citizens to oppose them. This concept is rooted in the belief that individuals have a moral obligation to stand up for what is right, even if it means going against the established laws or authorities.

Throughout history, there have been numerous instances where people have felt compelled to resist unjust laws. For example, the American Revolution, which Thomas Jefferson played a significant role in, was sparked by the colonists' perception of injustice under British rule. Similarly, the Civil Rights Movement in the United States during the 1950s and 1960s was a response to the unjust treatment and legal discrimination against African Americans. In both these cases, individuals and groups felt a moral duty to resist and challenge the injustices perpetuated by the law.

In conclusion, the phrase "when injustice becomes law, resistance becomes duty" underscores the belief that when laws are unjust, resistance is not only a right but also a moral obligation. It encourages individuals to question authority, stand up for their rights, and work towards creating a society that aligns with their values.

The right to rebel

The phrase "When injustice becomes law, resistance becomes duty" is often attributed to Thomas Jefferson, but this quotation is spurious; it has not been found in his writings. However, the idea captures some of the sentiments Jefferson expressed in the Declaration of Independence, which states that when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same object, evinces a design to reduce them under absolute despotism, it is the right and duty of the people to overthrow such a government.

In a democratic society, the right to rebel may be expressed through peaceful and lawful means, such as protests, civil disobedience, and the electoral process. However, in cases where a government has become tyrannical or fails to uphold the rights and freedoms of its citizens, more radical forms of resistance may be justified. Throughout history, there have been numerous examples of revolutions and uprisings where people have risen up against oppressive regimes, often inspired by the belief that they have a duty to fight for justice, freedom, and a better future.

While the idea of the right to rebel has been influential in shaping political thought and inspiring movements for social change, it is also important to approach it with caution. As history has shown, revolutions and uprisings can have mixed outcomes, and the use of violence or extra-legal means to overthrow a government can sometimes lead to further instability, conflict, or the rise of a new oppressive regime. Therefore, while the right to rebel is a powerful concept, it should be considered carefully and exercised only as a last resort when all other avenues for redress have been exhausted.

Injustices of slavery

The injustices of slavery are numerous and far-reaching. Enslaved people were treated as property, bought, sold, and exploited for profit, with little regard for their humanity. This system of slavery was endorsed and perpetuated by European nation-states and resulted in the largest forced migration in history, with approximately 12.5 million Africans being forcibly removed from their homes and transported across the Atlantic.

The conditions on slave ships were inhumane, with captives enduring overcrowding, starvation, and violence during the months-long journey. Upon arrival in the colonies, enslaved people faced a life of forced labour, often working in brutal conditions that resulted in early death. They were subject to physical punishment and degradation, with their labour extending even to the Sabbath, when they were compelled to work for their masters' profit. Enslaved people were denied basic human rights, including the right to hold property, to have their voices heard in a court of law, and to receive religious instruction or marry.

The injustice of slavery was further compounded by the racialisation of this system. Enslaved people were seen as inherently inferior, and their status as property was passed on to their children, ensuring that future generations would also be denied their freedom. This racial hierarchy was codified into law, with the status of a child following that of the mother, thus creating a cycle of enslavement that was incredibly difficult to break.

The resistance to slavery took many forms, including acts of sabotage, feigning illness, and, in some cases, physical violence or escape. The power of song was also an important means of resistance, with spirituals and traditional songs providing a sense of unity, hope, and a way to covertly communicate and organise. Despite the immense challenges they faced, enslaved people never ceased to resist and fight for their freedom, ultimately leading to the abolition of slavery and the recognition of their inherent equality and human rights.

Freedom and independence

The phrase "when injustice becomes law, resistance becomes duty" is often attributed to Thomas Jefferson, although it has not been found in his writings. The idea, however, captures some of the principles he expressed in the Declaration of Independence, where he wrote:

> "...when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government..."

This quotation underscores the importance of freedom and independence, which are fundamental human rights. When a government engages in a pattern of abuses and infringements on the rights of its citizens, it is the right and duty of the people to resist and overthrow such a government. This concept is known as the right to revolution and is a key tenet of democratic societies.

In the context of "when injustice becomes law," freedom and independence take on a particular significance. They represent the ideals that people strive for when faced with an unjust system. It is the aspiration for liberty and self-determination that fuels the resistance against oppressive laws and governments.

Resistance to injustice can take many forms, and it is important to note that it does not always have to be a collective or revolutionary act. Individuals can also resist injustice in their daily lives by speaking out against unfair practices, standing up for the rights of others, and working towards creating a more just and equitable society. This can be done through activism, community organizing, or simply by using one's voice to shed light on injustices and advocate for change.

Government criticism

The phrase "when injustice becomes law, resistance becomes duty" is commonly misattributed to Thomas Jefferson, appearing in print for the first time in 2006. While Jefferson did not write these words, they capture some of the ideas he expressed in the Declaration of Independence.

Jefferson's words and actions regarding slavery are a prime example of when injustice becomes law. While he is known for his progressive attitude toward African slaves, he also kept and sold hundreds of slaves for labour and, in some cases, sex. This included keeping his wife's black sister as his sex slave. He also contributed to the removal of a grievance regarding the slave trade from the original draft of the Declaration of Independence, so as not to alienate the southern states.

Jefferson's actions highlight the injustice of slavery, which was legal in his country at the time. This was an abomination that many knew was wrong, yet it was allowed to continue due to the economic and political power of those who benefited from it. This is a stark reminder that just because something is legal does not mean it is just, and it is the duty of those who recognise this injustice to resist and strive for change.

The misattribution of the quote to Jefferson is ironic given his own actions, but the phrase itself remains a powerful statement. It serves as a call to action, encouraging people to recognise and resist unjust laws. This is particularly relevant in the context of government criticism, as it is often the role of governments to enact and enforce laws. When governments become complicit in perpetuating injustice, it is the duty of the people to hold them accountable and demand change.

In conclusion, the phrase "when injustice becomes law, resistance becomes duty" is a powerful reminder that passive acceptance of unjust laws is not an option. While the quote may not originate from Jefferson, his actions regarding slavery provide a stark example of the phrase's sentiment. It is a call to action for citizens to recognise and resist injustice, particularly when it is perpetuated by those in power.

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