This means that activists like King, Schwartz, and Assange are only effective in bullying the weak, not standing up to the strong
An institution might be very strong in some respects, but not strong enough to move the populace against a sufficiently popular cause backed by a sufficiently charismatic leader.
Some institutions have more power to move the will of the public than others. The US government can to a significant extent shape public opinion by passing laws, not just conform to public opinion. But it can’t do so to an unlimited extent, and if another figure pushes for a position that’s more in line with public opinion, they’re going to have an advantage over the government, even if they have less ability to sway public opinion.
An institution might be very strong in some respects, but not strong enough to move the populace against a sufficiently popular cause backed by a sufficiently charismatic leader.
Some institutions have more power to move the will of the public than others. The US government can to a significant extent shape public opinion by passing laws, not just conform to public opinion. But it can’t do so to an unlimited extent, and if another figure pushes for a position that’s more in line with public opinion, they’re going to have an advantage over the government, even if they have less ability to sway public opinion.