Wise Words from a Liberator. Be Severe. Be Heard.

“I am aware that many object to the severity of my language; but is there not cause for severity? I will be as harsh as truth, and as uncompromising as justice. On this subject, I do not wish to think, or to speak, or write, with moderation. No! no! Tell a man whose house is on fire to give a moderate alarm; tell him to moderately rescue his wife from the hands of the ravisher; tell the mother to gradually extricate her babe from the fire into which it has fallen; – but urge me not to use moderation in a cause like the present. I am in earnest – I will not equivocate – I will not excuse – I will not retreat a single inch – AND I WILL BE HEARD.” – William Lloyd Garrison

I am no stranger to controversy. People suggest I stir up controversy by the “severity of my language” and voicing my many thoughts on various issues. A popular Abolitionist and Liberator, William Lloyd Garrison asked, “Is there not cause for severity?” If people who believed in social justice took a different approach and avoided speech that wasn’t shocking, offensive, bothersome, agitating or whatever the claim may be, would they still be heard? I don’t believe so.

No related posts.