There is nothing romantic about teargas. Or smoke bombs or rubber bullets or sound cannons.
Interpretation
The quote highlights the harsh realities of protest and civil unrest, devoid of glamor or romance.
Deray Mckesson's quote serves as a stark reminder that the tools used to suppress dissent—such as teargas, smoke bombs, and rubber bullets—are violent and inhumane. It emphasizes that there is nothing noble or romantic about the struggle against oppression; rather, it involves real danger and suffering. This perspective encourages a deeper understanding of the struggles faced by activists and the true gravity of their fight for justice.
In practice
Using this quote during a rally to remind participants of the seriousness of their actions.
If you close your eyes and think about where you feel the most safe, you're probably not going to tell me it's in a room full of police. You feel safe where you're around people that love you, when you have food and shelter, when you're being pushed to be your best self and learn.
Laws on hate speech and hate crimes do important work in a world that has been rooted in racism and bigotry since the inception of this country, which was not founded on ideals of justice.
So many of us don't know what we want; we just know we don't want what we have. We spend 99% of the time talking about how bad it is, but only 1% of the time talking about how we can do something about it.
I just couldn't believe that the police would fire tear gas into what had been a peaceful protest. I was running around, face burning, and nothing I saw looked like America to me.
The difference between equity and equality is that equality is everyone get the same thing and equity is everyone get the things they deserve.
I ran away from home. I ran away from St. Louis, and then I ran away from the United States of America, because of that terror of discrimination, that horrible beast which paralyzes one's very soul and body.
For sure, there are times when one may have no choice but to go to war, but it is never something to rush to or accept without exploring every other available option.
The thought that I might kill myself formed in my mind coolly as a tree or a flower.
Listen. Slide the weight from your shoulders and move forward. You are afraid you might forget, but you never will. You will forgive and remember.
Fate gave to man the courage of endurance.
Wait a while; there will come to you mounts, carrying lions in shining armor, battalions followed by battalions.
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