In Sinclair Lewis's novel "It Can't Happen Here," a character named John Pollikop emphasizes that various injustices and incidents of oppression have long occurred, even before the rise of the authoritarian leader Buzz Windrip. He argues that these events, while significant, were often reported as routine news in the media, which failed to capture their true importance or impact on society.

Pollikop references specific historical examples, such as the struggles of sharecroppers, the Scottsboro Boys case, and oppressive actions against striking miners. These instances serve to illustrate that societal issues existed beneath the surface, and the repeated disregard for these cases contributed to the conditions that made authoritarianism possible. By highlighting these overlooked events, the narrative suggests a critique of how society can normalize injustice.