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About this quote

What does it mean?
Mass non-violent protest relies on the oppressor's humanity, but success varies and depends on deep societal knowledge.
In plain terms
Non-violent protest works sometimes, but not always.
What can you take from it?
Protest strategy depends on context.

Where it applies

  • civil rights movements
  • political campaigns
  • social justice

Putting it to work

  • study societal context
  • plan non-violent actions

Questions to consider

  • When does non-violence fail?
  • What makes protest effective?

Another view

Non-violence may not work against all oppressors.

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