Tyranny Disguised As Law: The Crab's Grip Tightens

The phrase when tyranny becomes law, resistance becomes duty is often attributed to Thomas Jefferson, although it has not been found in his writings. It encapsulates the idea that when a government engages in a long train of abuses, it is the right and duty of the people to overthrow such a government. This concept has inspired various memes, including one featuring a crab taking up arms against Nazi lobsters, adding a playful twist to a serious message about resistance in the face of tyranny.

Resistance as a duty

The phrase "when tyranny becomes law, resistance becomes duty" is a popular concept that has been adapted and modified over time. The original quote, often misattributed to Thomas Jefferson, is "when injustice becomes law, resistance becomes duty". This captures some of the ideas that Jefferson expressed in the Declaration of Independence, which states that if a government engages in a long train of abuses and usurpations, it is the right and duty of the people to overthrow such a government.

This idea has been reinterpreted and applied in various contexts, including internet memes. One example is the "Comrade Crab" meme, which depicts a crab taking up arms against Nazi lobsters. The meme uses the phrase "when tyranny becomes law, resistance becomes duty" to convey the crab's defiance against oppressive forces.

The concept of resistance as a duty implies that when a government or authority abuses its power and imposes unjust laws, it is the responsibility of the people to oppose and defy such tyranny. This notion of resistance can take various forms, from non-violent protests and civil disobedience to, as seen in the "Comrade Crab" meme, taking up arms.

However, the notion of resistance as a duty also raises important questions and considerations. For instance, what constitutes tyranny or injustice? Who decides when resistance is necessary and justified? And what are the potential consequences and risks of resisting oppressive forces? These are complex questions that require careful thought and deliberation.

Thomas Jefferson's Monticello

Monticello is a World Heritage Site, recognised for its architectural and historic significance. The main house was designed by Jefferson using neoclassical design principles, and it features numerous design elements popular in late 18th-century Europe, as well as Jefferson's own ideas. The house has approximately 11,000 square feet of living space and is surrounded by gardens that served as a botanic showpiece, a source of food, and an experimental laboratory for plants from around the world.

Jefferson used enslaved labour for the construction and maintenance of Monticello, as well as for extensive cultivation of tobacco, mixed crops, and later wheat. He enslaved over six hundred people throughout his life, and the quarters for enslaved people, known as Mulberry Row, were located three hundred feet south of the main house.

Today, Monticello is a museum and educational institution, welcoming over half a million visitors each year. It offers various tours, including the grounds, the cellar, the ground floor, the second and third floors, and the iconic dome.

Nazi Lobsters

The phrase "when tyranny becomes law, resistance becomes duty" is often attributed to Thomas Jefferson, although it has not been found in his writings. It captures some of the ideas he expressed in the Declaration of Independence, such as the right to overthrow a despotic government.

This phrase has been used in various memes, including one featuring a "comrade crab" who takes up arms against "Nazi Lobsters". This particular meme appears to be based on a clip from an anime show called 'Sabagebu', in which a club mascot frees a crab that was going to be eaten. The imagery of arming crabs also appears in a post about defending against people wielding fruit, and another about surviving world war with aquatic animals.

The "Nazi Lobsters" meme is a creative and humorous way to convey a message of resistance against tyranny. While the specific origin of the "Nazi Lobsters" is unclear, it is possible that they represent an oppressive force or regime that the "comrade crab" is fighting against.

The idea of a crab resisting Nazi lobsters is a unique and light-hearted take on the serious concept of standing up against tyranny. The crab, often seen as a symbol of the sea and survival, becomes a revolutionary figure in this meme, taking up arms against an enemy that threatens its way of life. The image of a small, seemingly insignificant creature like a crab fighting against a powerful and destructive force like Nazism can be seen as a metaphor for the power of individual resistance against oppression.

The "Nazi Lobsters" meme is a fun and imaginative way to explore the theme of resistance against tyranny, adding a touch of humour to a serious topic and showcasing the creativity and impact of meme culture in conveying powerful messages.

Arming crabs

The saying, "When tyranny becomes law, resistance becomes duty", has been attributed to Thomas Jefferson, although it has not been found in his writings. It captures some of the ideas that Jefferson expressed in the Declaration of Independence.

The phrase has been used in a variety of memes, including one featuring a "Comrade Crab" who takes up arms against "Nazi Lobsters". Another meme asks, "Who thought it would be smart to arm the mud crabs?"

When considering the practicalities of arming crabs, one might imagine equipping them with miniature weapons or armour. For example, a crab could be fitted with a small sword or a tiny gun, attached to one of its claws. Alternatively, a crab shell could be modified to include armoured plating or spikes for defence.

In a more fantastical or futuristic scenario, crabs could be genetically modified or cybernetically enhanced to possess enhanced strength, speed, or even the ability to shoot projectiles. They could become formidable warriors, with their natural armour and powerful pincers augmented by advanced technology or biological enhancements.

While the idea of arming crabs may initially seem absurd, it can serve as a metaphor for empowering the marginalised or oppressed. It encourages a mindset of resistance and reminds us that even the seemingly powerless can become a force to be reckoned with when united against tyranny.

Injustice vs tyranny

The phrase "when tyranny becomes law, resistance becomes duty" is a popular meme, often accompanied by images of crabs or lobsters taking up arms. While the exact origin of this phrase is unknown, it has been attributed to Thomas Jefferson and appeared in print in 2006. The phrase captures some of the ideas expressed by Jefferson in the Declaration of Independence, where he states that when a long train of abuses and usurpations occur, it is the right and duty of the people to overthrow such a government.

The concept of "when tyranny becomes law" implies a situation where a government or ruling power engages in oppressive and unjust practices, solidifying them into laws that citizens are expected to obey. In such circumstances, the notion of "resistance becomes duty" suggests that it is the responsibility of the oppressed to stand against tyranny and fight for their freedom and rights.

Injustice and tyranny are closely related concepts. Injustice refers to unfair or immoral actions or treatment, while tyranny denotes cruel and oppressive rule. When a government engages in systematic injustice, such as denying basic rights, discriminating against certain groups, or abusing its power, it can lead to a state of tyranny. Tyranny often involves the concentration of power in a single ruler or a small group, who govern arbitrarily and without regard for individual rights and freedoms.

The distinction between injustice and tyranny lies in their scope and impact. Injustice can exist within a system that is otherwise just, as a result of specific policies, practices, or individuals. Tyranny, on the other hand, represents a broader failure of the system, where injustice becomes the norm and is enforced through laws and institutions. In a state of tyranny, the rule of law is often subverted to serve the interests of the ruling power, rather than the people.

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