"ظالم اینقدر قوی نمی‌شود اگر یارانی در میان ستمدیدگان نداشته باشد"

The essence of the quote is pretty straightforward: those who are oppressed often inadvertently empower their oppressors. Imagine this—people who are being mistreated support, either actively or passively, the very system or individuals that are oppressing them. It’s like being part of a group project and, instead of calling out the lazy person who’s not pulling their weight, you end up doing their work for them and letting them get away with it. They continue to slack off because they know you’ll cover for them.

Historically, this idea pops up in so many movements. Think back to the days of slavery in the United States. Not all slaves resisted or tried to escape. Some even took on roles that helped maintain the system, like overseers. This doesn't mean they wanted to be oppressors themselves; often, it was about survival. But the net effect was the same: it kept the oppressive system intact longer than it might have without that internal support.

Let’s take a real-life example from the workplace. Imagine a tech company where the CEO is a tyrant, making unreasonable demands and fostering a toxic environment. Some employees might quietly comply, thinking that by going along, they’re protecting their jobs. Others might even suck up to the CEO, hoping to gain favor. Meanwhile, the CEO's power grows stronger because he’s got these unwitting allies. If everyone instead stood up, refused to tolerate the bad behavior, and maybe even banded together to bring attention to the issue, the CEO's grip on power could weaken significantly.

So, how do you apply this wisdom in your life? First, recognize when you’re playing a part in maintaining a bad situation. It’s not always pleasant to admit, but sometimes we do it out of fear or habit. Once you see it, take a stand—however small. If you’re in a group where someone is being a bully, don’t just laugh along to fit in. Speak up, or at least don’t give them the audience they crave. It can be tough, but change usually starts with a few brave souls willing to challenge the status quo.

Now, think about a high school setting—let’s call it Riverwood High. At Riverwood, there’s a popular clique that rules the social scene. They’re not kind; in fact, they often pick on others. Most students just go with the flow, maybe because they’re scared of becoming the next target or because they want to be in the popular crowd. One day, a new student, Jamie, arrives. Jamie isn’t interested in fitting into the clique. When they see the clique bullying someone, they step in and say, “That’s not cool. Leave them alone.” It’s a small act, but others start seeing that they don’t have to go along with the bullying either. Slowly, the clique's influence starts to wane. It’s not an overnight change, but Jamie’s courage in breaking the cycle makes a huge difference.

In the end, it’s about power dynamics and how we all contribute to them, often without even realizing it. By becoming aware and taking even small steps to stand up against unfair systems or behaviors, you can help chip away at the power of the oppressors. It’s not about being a hero; it’s about not being an accomplice. And that can make all the difference.