A focus of this week’s edition is our publication of images featuring nonviolent protestors brandishing placards with punchy slogans—whether critical, emotive or mocking.
One slogan in Spanish from a local protest caught the eye, translating to, “The world is a dangerous place, not because of those who do evil, but because of those who look on and do nothing.” This famous moral statement by Einstein emphasizes the responsibility of bystanders to take action against injustice.
The quote is a double-edged sword. Einstein framed his remark vaguely and didn’t specify who the “malas personas” are. It’s not just peaceful activists calling for change who can resonate with this idea. Governments may use it to justify intervention or military action, and extremist groups may invoke it for radical or even violent acts. Climate change activists could argue that Einstein’s quote serves as a justifiable springboard to rally support for civil disobedience. Similarly, under the same argument, some in the U.S. government would justify bombing Iran to prevent it from developing nuclear weapons.
Interestingly, the above photograph was not taken at one of the “No Kings” rallies last weekend, but at a pro-Palestine demonstration held at the Minerva Glorieta. It was one of the less provocative messages unfurled at the protest, yet it reflected what many people perceive as the “complicit silence” of many bystanders regarding Israel’s policy in Gaza.
The problematic aspect of Einstein’s rhetorical statement, of course, is that any side in a conflict can potentially invoke it—Israel included. It all depends on who defines “evil” and who is considered to be “doing nothing.”