Resisting Injustice: Duty Calls, Mandela's Legacy

The quote When injustice becomes law, resistance becomes duty has been misattributed to Nelson Mandela. In fact, there is no evidence that Mandela ever said this. The phrase is believed to have been popularised by social activists in Australia, and the earliest known attribution of the quote was to Thomas Jefferson in 2006.

The quote has been used to inspire resistance to oppressive laws and governments, with the understanding that it is the duty of citizens to resist injustice.

The quote has been misattributed to Mandela and Thomas Jefferson

The quote, "When injustice becomes law, resistance becomes duty," has been widely circulated and is often attributed to Nelson Mandela, the iconic South African anti-apartheid revolutionary and former president. However, the sentence in question is not entirely accurate, as it misrepresents the origins of this powerful statement. While Mandela's life and work undoubtedly embodied this sentiment, a closer examination reveals that the quote should be attributed to another influential figure, Thomas Jefferson, one of the Founding Fathers of the United States.

The phrase itself holds a significant weight and resonates with people worldwide fighting for freedom and equal rights. It encapsulates the idea that when laws are unjust and oppressive, it is the responsibility of citizens to stand against them and seek change. This concept has been a rallying cry for many social and political movements throughout history, including the struggle against apartheid in South Africa, led by Mandela and his comrades.

Upon investigating the source of the quote, we find that it closely resembles the principles and beliefs held by Thomas Jefferson, as expressed in his writings. Jefferson, the principal author of the Declaration of Independence, passionately advocated for liberty and justice. While he did not use these exact words, the sentiment is reflected in his broader philosophy. Jefferson's commitment to these ideals is evident in his famous quote, "The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants."

However, it is essential to acknowledge that the misattribution of the quote to Mandela is understandable, given his embodiment of resistance against the unjust laws of apartheid. Mandela's life and legacy are testaments to his unwavering commitment to fighting for freedom, equality, and justice. Through his leadership and decades of struggle, including 27 years in prison, Mandela inspired a global movement that ultimately led to the dismantling of the oppressive apartheid regime in South Africa.

The quote was popularised by social activists in Australia

The quote, "When injustice becomes law, resistance becomes duty", has been attributed to Thomas Jefferson and Nelson Mandela, but there is no evidence that either of them ever said it. The expression is believed to have been popularised by social activists in Australia.

The saying has been in circulation for decades, with the first known attribution to Jefferson in 2006. However, according to etymologist Barry Popik, it was likely popularised much earlier by Australian social activists. In 1983, a pamphlet published in Sydney by Women's Action Against Global Violence was titled "Pine Gap, the images: When injustice becomes law, resistance becomes duty". The Green Left, an Australian organisation, has also used the quote since at least 1992.

In 1993, Lisa Macdonald of Australia's Socialist Alliance used a variation of the quote to criticise the High Court of Australia's decision to detain refugee children: "The High Court of Australia’s decision to keep refugee children imprisoned in detention centres makes it crystal clear that injustice has become law in this country… And when injustice becomes law, resistance becomes duty."

The quote has been used by various groups in Australia to oppose what they perceive as injustices, including the detention of refugees, racial discrimination, and atomic energy. It has also been printed on merchandise such as T-shirts, bumper stickers, and posters, further contributing to its popularisation.

The quote has been used to oppose mandatory detention laws

The quote, "When injustice becomes law, resistance becomes duty," has been attributed to Nelson Mandela, although there is no evidence that he ever said it. The quote has been used to oppose mandatory detention laws, specifically in Australia.

In 1993, a member of Australia's Socialist Alliance stated:

> The High Court of Australia's decision to keep refugee children imprisoned in detention centres makes it crystal clear that injustice has become law in this country... And when injustice becomes law, resistance becomes duty.

In 2001, human rights activists in Sydney and Melbourne mobilized to oppose the Australian government's policy of mandatory detention for all onshore asylum seekers. Paul Benedek, of the Free the Refugees Campaign, stated:

> The Howard government may as well have put the noose around [the suiciding detainee's] neck... We're willing to provide a safe haven for refugees despite the law. Why? Because when injustice is law, resistance is duty. The law of mandatory detention is arbitrary and inhumane. The law is wrong.

The quote has also been used more generally to oppose unjust laws and to advocate for resistance and rebellion against such laws. While often invoked in the context of political and social activism, the quote's exact origins remain uncertain.

The quote has been used to justify rebellion against oppressive governments

The quote, "When injustice becomes law, resistance becomes duty," has been falsely attributed to Nelson Mandela. While Mandela never said these exact words, the sentiment reflects his and many others' beliefs in standing up against oppressive governments and laws.

Throughout history, this quote has been used to justify rebellion and resistance against unjust laws and governments. For example, during the Arab Spring, an Egyptian muralist covered Cairo with the words, "When Injustice Becomes Law, Rebellion Becomes Duty," a phrase that ultimately led to their imprisonment. This phrase has also been used by human rights activists in Sydney and Melbourne, who mobilised to oppose the Australian government's policy of mandatory detention for onshore asylum seekers.

The quote has been especially popular among those opposing oppressive governments and advocating for freedom and social justice. In South Sudan, for instance, the prolonged civil war was rooted in social injustice and marginalisation, and the phrase "when injustice becomes law, resistance becomes duty" resonates strongly with those seeking a more just society.

The sentiment of this quote aligns with Mandela's life and work, as he dedicated himself to fighting against the oppressive apartheid regime in South Africa. While he may not have coined the exact phrase, his actions and words inspired others to stand up against injustice and fight for a better future.

While the origin of the quote remains uncertain, its impact and resonance are undeniable. It has become a rallying cry for those seeking change and justice, empowering people to take a stand against oppressive governments and laws, and reminding them of their duty to resist and create a better world.

The quote has been used to advocate for social justice

The quote, "When injustice becomes law, resistance becomes duty", has been falsely attributed to Nelson Mandela. However, it has been used to advocate for social justice and inspire resistance against unjust laws and systems.

In South Sudan, for example, Emmanuel Mangok Deng applied the quote to the country's tumultuous history and the need for social justice. He reflected on the responsibility of the younger generation to actively engage with and form opinions on national issues, particularly in light of the country's large youth population. Deng emphasised the potential of South Sudanese youth to drive positive change and the importance of addressing their legitimate grievances, such as unemployment and inadequate education, to prevent frustration and exploitation by opportunistic politicians.

The quote has also been used in the context of refugee rights activism. In 1993, a member of Australia's Socialist Alliance, Lisa Macdonald, stated, "The High Court of Australia's decision to keep refugee children imprisoned in detention centres makes it crystal clear that injustice has become law in this country. And when injustice becomes law, resistance becomes duty." This quote highlights the belief that it is the duty of individuals to resist and oppose unjust laws, such as those that infringe on the rights and freedoms of refugees.

Additionally, the saying has been printed on T-shirts, bumper stickers, and posters, becoming a rallying cry for various social justice movements. During the Arab Spring, an Egyptian muralist covered the walls of Cairo with the words, "When Injustice Becomes Law, Rebellion Becomes Duty", ultimately landing them in jail. This example demonstrates the power of the quote to inspire resistance and social justice advocacy, even in the face of potential consequences.

While the origin of the quote remains uncertain, its enduring popularity and usage in social justice contexts underscore its resonance with people advocating for change and resisting injustice in various forms.

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