If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor. If an elephant has its foot on the tail of a mouse and you say that you are neutral, the mouse will not appreciate your neutrality.
Meaning of the quote
When there is injustice happening, choosing to do nothing is the same as supporting the person who is doing wrong. It's like if a big elephant is standing on a small mouse's tail, and you say you're not taking sides. The mouse will not think your neutrality is helpful, because the elephant is still hurting the mouse. In situations of unfairness, not taking a stand means you are helping the person who is causing harm.
About Desmond Tutu
Desmond Tutu was a renowned South African Anglican bishop and theologian who played a crucial role in the anti-apartheid movement. He was the first Black African to hold the positions of Bishop of Johannesburg and Archbishop of Cape Town. Tutu’s work in promoting human rights and reconciliation earned him international recognition, including the Nobel Peace Prize.
More quotes from Desmond Tutu
In the land of my birth I cannot vote, whereas a young person of eighteen can vote. And why? Because he or she possesses that wonderful biological attribute – a white skin.
South African churchman, politician, archbishop, Nobel Prize winner (1931-2021)
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Niger is not an isolated island of desperation. It lies within a sea of problems across Africa – particularly the ‘forgotten emergencies’ in poor countries or regions with little strategic or material appeal.
South African churchman, politician, archbishop, Nobel Prize winner (1931-2021)
If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor. If an elephant has its foot on the tail of a mouse and you say that you are neutral, the mouse will not appreciate your neutrality.
South African churchman, politician, archbishop, Nobel Prize winner (1931-2021)
When the missionaries came to Africa they had the Bible and we had the land. They said “Let us pray.” We closed our eyes. When we opened them we had the Bible and they had the land.
South African churchman, politician, archbishop, Nobel Prize winner (1931-2021)
Children are a wonderful gift. They have an extraordinary capacity to see into the heart of things and to expose sham and humbug for what they are.
South African churchman, politician, archbishop, Nobel Prize winner (1931-2021)
I am not interested in picking up crumbs of compassion thrown from the table of someone who considers himself my master. I want the full menu of rights.
South African churchman, politician, archbishop, Nobel Prize winner (1931-2021)
Without forgiveness, there’s no future.
South African churchman, politician, archbishop, Nobel Prize winner (1931-2021)
We would like to see you departing peacefully.
South African churchman, politician, archbishop, Nobel Prize winner (1931-2021)
What is black empowerment when it seems to benefit not the vast majority but an elite that tends to be recycled?
South African churchman, politician, archbishop, Nobel Prize winner (1931-2021)
I am a leader by default, only because nature does not allow a vacuum.
South African churchman, politician, archbishop, Nobel Prize winner (1931-2021)
You must show the world that you abhor fighting.
South African churchman, politician, archbishop, Nobel Prize winner (1931-2021)
Those who invest in South Africa should not think they are doing us a favor; they are here for what they get out of our cheap and abundant labor, and they should know that they are buttressing one of the most vicious systems.
South African churchman, politician, archbishop, Nobel Prize winner (1931-2021)
Be nice to whites, they need you to rediscover their humanity.
South African churchman, politician, archbishop, Nobel Prize winner (1931-2021)
My humanity is bound up in yours, for we can only be human together.
South African churchman, politician, archbishop, Nobel Prize winner (1931-2021)
Do your little bit of good where you are; its those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world.
South African churchman, politician, archbishop, Nobel Prize winner (1931-2021)
A person is a person because he recognizes others as persons.
South African churchman, politician, archbishop, Nobel Prize winner (1931-2021)
Be nice to the whites, they need you to rediscover their humanity.
South African churchman, politician, archbishop, Nobel Prize winner (1931-2021)
When a pile of cups is tottering on the edge of the table and you warn that they will crash to the ground, in South Africa you are blamed when that happens.
South African churchman, politician, archbishop, Nobel Prize winner (1931-2021)
For goodness sake, will they hear, will white people hear what we are trying to say? Please, all we are asking you to do is to recognize that we are humans, too.
South African churchman, politician, archbishop, Nobel Prize winner (1931-2021)
We may be surprised at the people we find in heaven. God has a soft spot for sinners. His standards are quite low.
South African churchman, politician, archbishop, Nobel Prize winner (1931-2021)