Who do you call a civilian in a guerilla war? I mean, it might be a farmer by day or a merchant, a housewife, and by night the housewife may be helping to make landmines and booby traps and who knows.
Tim O'BrienRead
We’ve learned that it will take more than one generation to bring about change. The fight for civil rights has developed into a broader concern for human rights, and that encompasses a great many people and countries. Those of us who live in a democracy have a responsibility to be the voice for those whose voices are stilled.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Change requires time and collective effort across generations to achieve meaningful progress.
Mary Travers emphasizes that the struggle for civil rights is an ongoing journey that extends beyond an individual's lifetime. It involves a collective responsibility to advocate for those who are marginalized, ensuring that their voices are heard in a democratic society. The quote calls for awareness, action, and solidarity in the fight for human rights on a global scale.
Themes
ChangeCivil RightsHuman RightsResponsibilityDemocracy
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about social justice, one could quote this to emphasize the importance of continuous advocacy.
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