There exists a phrase or device, somewhat akin to the parables of Paul Bunyan or John Henry, when your efforts at protest are futile against a struggle, but you are compelled to struggle against it anyways — usually because it's a seemingly noble cause.
Would anyone have a suggestion as to how to phrase this device? Or is there a widely known idiom for it? I'd suppose the single word "futile" might accurately describe this situation, but that's not what I'm looking for.
Best Answer
The term Sisyphean comes to mind:
This alludes to Sysiphus, who was punished by the Greek gods by being forced to constantly roll a boulder up a hill, just to watch it roll back down.
More colorfully, "pissing into the wind" might also apply, depending on your audience:
Hopefully you can imagine what this one is referencing.