“This was Mississippi, where for years whites shot blacks for any reason or no reason and no one cared; where whites raped blacks and it was con
“This was Mississippi, where for years whites shot blacks for any reason or no reason and no one cared; where whites raped blacks and it was considered sport; where blacks were hanged for fighting back.”
― John Grisham, A Time to Kill
IF you are going to effectively fight for human rights, you must get comfortable with hearing, witnessing, reporting, and speaking TRUTH.
The concept of truth plays a vital role in ensuring justice. Effective movements for change are built on a foundation of truth.
(Example: Entire civil rights movement exposing racist crimes to the world whilst people denied that they were happening.)
Accuracy and honesty in testimony, documentation, and evidence are crucial in uncovering the truth and dispelling misconceptions.
Injustice itself often stems from misinformation, propaganda, or manipulation of facts, which can lead to wrongful convictions, false accusations, and the perpetuation of systemic inequalities.
Therefore, the pursuit of truth is fundamental to achieving justice, as it allows for a fair and impartial resolution of conflicts and disputes.
People committed to human rights are skilled at bringing the truth to light and sending lies, stereotypes, and myths into the darkest pits of hell and non-existence. Where they belong.
“The function, the very serious function of racism is distraction. It keeps you from doing your work. It keeps you explaining, over and over again, your reason for being.
Somebody says you have no language and you spend twenty years proving that you do.
Somebody says your head isn’t shaped properly so you have scientists working on the fact that it is.
Somebody says you have no art, so you dredge that up. Somebody says you have no kingdoms, so you dredge that up.
None of this is necessary.
There will always be one more thing.”
— Toni Morrison
Truth based in reality, in common sense, and a universal understanding, is a final protection for our way of life, our wellbeing, and our very survival. If this is allowed to be overlooked and replaced with its opposite, all semblance of order and justice is lost.
Robert Atkinson Ph.D.