How Does Civil Disobedience Impact A Free Society

Improved Essays
Khailah Ayroso-Lunamcgee
When Action is Needed
Civil disobedience both negatively and positively impacts a free society. On one hand civil disobedience can have negative effects on a free society for the reason being that when there is a group of individuals going against the masses it causes separation within the society. But on the other hand civil disobedience has been proven to be one of the most successful strategies in bringing about change that in most instances was long overdue. History is the evidence of the effectiveness of civil disobedience. It can be seen not only in America but all across the world. And it can be seen not only in current times but throughout the centuries.
Civil disobedience is not the first resort but in fact
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Civil disobedience continues to be one of the most effective strategies in fighting for change and fighting for justice. Just last year a new battle began when the people of the Standing Rock Sioux tribe protested the construction of the Dakota Access oil Pipeline. The pipeline is considered a threat to the region’s clean water supply and to the ancient burial grounds of the tribe. In September of 2016 a section of the land considered sacred was bulldozed and when protesters entered the construction site they were met with violence. Security used attack dogs and at least six of the protesters were bitten. Footage of the violent attacks went viral and helped bring attention to the matter. And now there can finally be dialogue on the situation and movement towards justice.
Civil disobedience exists because injustice is alive. Martin Luther King Jr. said, “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” The positive effects of civil disobedience far outweigh the negative effects. Civil disobedience will continue to be one of the most effective strategies in the fight for justice. It is unfortunate that acts of civil disobedience have to happen but it is more unfortunate that we live in a society where it is

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