Mi smo za pravicu

Slavko Kolar (1891–1963), one of the most gifted Croatian humorous storytellers, published a collection of short stories Mi smo za pravicu in 1936, published by Matica Hrvatska. The book is a continuation of his earlier collection Ili jesmo ili nismo (1933) and is one of the most successful works of his peasant-satirical prose.

The collection contains several short stories, among which the title ones Mi smo za pravicu, Breza, Kriza, Svoga tijela gospodar and others stand out. Kolar masterfully depicts the life of the Croatian village and the common man in interwar Yugoslavia – poverty, political pressure, government corruption, electoral manipulation and everyday struggles for dignity. The title short story, which has become an anthological work, depicts the peasant Janko who comes to the doctor asking for a certificate of beating in the elections, symbolizing the faith of the common man in justice despite everything.

Kolar's style is characterized by an excellent knowledge of rural speech, mild but sharp humor and irony. Behind the laughter often hides bitterness and criticism of social injustices, bureaucracy and political opportunism. His characters – peasants, village doctors, teachers and clerks – are lively, convincing and full of humanity.

The collection was noted and praised in its time for its authenticity and artistic maturity. Today it is considered a classic of Croatian interwar prose and the best example of Kolar's talent for combining humor and social criticism. We are for justice remains relevant because it addresses eternal problems: the struggle of the little man against the system, compromises of conscience and an indestructible faith in justice.