Why resistance, no matter how small, matters

 
This powerful image of a man refusing to give the Nazi salute is well-known to most people, it serves as a timeless reminder of the courage it takes to stand against oppression, even when surrounded by conformity. It’s easy to assume that resistance is impossible when the majority either supports or silently accepts injustice, but this man proves that even a single symbolic act of defiance can be profoundly significant. His refusal to comply speaks to the importance of standing by our values, especially when minorities and vulnerable communities are under attack. Showing your support in whatever form you can to vulnerable, people or groups that cannot defend themselves matters. Silence and passive acceptance allow oppression to thrive, but resistance—no matter how small—can inspire others to question, challenge, and ultimately dismantle unjust systems.

I always wonder, in a crowd of people all performing the Nazi salute—whether out of fear, obedience, or genuine support—why only this man alone had the desire and courage to resist. He was not the only person who may have noticed bad things happening around and harbored doubts about the regime or disagreed with its actions, yet he was the only one who acted on those convictions in that moment. Why?

Fear often keeps people silent. Many in that crowd likely understood that failing to conform could lead to severe personal consequences—loss of livelihood, imprisonment, or even death. Some may have convinced themselves that one act of disobedience would change nothing, so why risk it? Others may have gradually accepted the ideology over time, or at least justified their compliance as a necessity for survival. Some may have thought that they are not the ones doing any of the bad stuff, so, they are not responsible for whatever bad is happening to anyone around them. But this man—standing in a sea of raised arms—refused. He understood the cost and defied the pressure to conform. He took the risk. He looked in a direction that others ignored. Perhaps he believed that even a small act of defiance mattered. Perhaps he could not, in good conscience, participate in a display of allegiance to a regime built on hate and persecution. Whatever his reasons, his choice is a reminder that courage is not always loud or grand; sometimes, it is as simple as standing still when the rest of the world moves in the wrong direction.

His act resonates because it asks us a difficult question: In the face of oppression, will we choose the safety of silence, or will we have the courage to stand alone if necessary? May we find the courage to refuse to salute when faced with oppression. May we stand up for those whose voices are silenced. And may we never forget that one act of defiance, no matter how small, can echo through history.

Thank you for reading and please share your views on this topic. 

*Vinay can be reached at thevinay2022@gmail.com