Peaceful Resistance Is The Enemy Of Democracy

Apathy and complacency are the enemies of democracy; peaceful resistance is the greatest weapon with which to fight these enemies. The American republic was “conceived in revolution” (Mirkin). Our founders built a nation with a government of the people, by the people, and for the people, placing the right to peaceably assemble in the first amendment to the Constitution. In a free society, we must exercise our rights and use our voice to influence the government. A government which governs best is one in which “every man makes known what kind of government would command his respect” (Thoreau). When the citizens are heard, they are happy and a nation functions smoothly. The peaceful voice is the most effective voice in a revolution. A revolution is not about violence or rebellion, a revolution is about negotiation and change. When working for change there are four steps: “collection of the facts to determine whether injustices exist, negotiation, self-purification, and direct action” (King). In order to achieve change, we must achieve discourse. Discourse is arguably the most important aspect of democracy. This is where the aforementioned steps apply. It is essential for any argument to be based on facts, for opinion …show more content…
For example, the recent Women’s March on Washington. This was a perfect example of dissenters banding together to make their voices heard. In regard to King’s steps they had determined that injustices exist and are now taking direct action against these injustices, however, the question becomes whether champions of the women’s march are open to discourse. A critical part of resistance is a knowledge of the other side of the established argument and a mind open to compromise. While protest is essential to a healthy democracy, the protest must have a clear goal and while fighting for that goal be flexible enough to achieve change. Rhetoric is only rewarded through