We’ve all disobeyed our parents, but is it acceptable to disobey the law? Many question whether civil disobedience as a means of political protest is negatively or positively impacting our society. If done correctly, civil disobedience is nothing more than a medium of utilizing our freedom of speech. When done peacefully, with full responsibility and acceptance of the consequences, opposing the law is an effective way to make your voice heard. This in return can bring about positive changes to society. The government, although it is ostensibly “of the people, by the people, for the people,” often does not heed to what the people are trying to communicate. Civil disobedience is a method that citizens have resorted to in order to be
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You have probably heard of African-American Rosa Parks who lived in a time of racial inequality. In December of 1942, Rosa refused to give up her bus seat to a white man. She was peacefully arrested (Newseum). Rosa Parks stated that “You must never be fearful about what you are doing when it is right.” Because of acts like this, African-Americans today enjoy the rights, liberties and equalities they deserve. American boxer Muhammad Ali also had a past of civil disobedience. During the 1960s, Ali opposed a military draft, entirely accepting the consequences of his choice. “Just take me to jail,” he stated. His actions brought a new perspective to the Vietnam War. Looking back, many pointless deaths could have been prevented if officials had listened to the boxer (Mullen). Civil disobedience still happens today, several exploits catching the attention of the news. “On Monday, the South Carolina state legislature had enough votes to remove the flag from the Capitol. But two days earlier, while politicians waged their wars with words and lobbied legislatures, Newsome, a 30-year-old North Carolina resident and community organizer, climbed the flagpole in front of the South Carolina state capitol building using a metal harness and removed the flag herself. She was promptly arrested afterward, but her smile—and the social media response to her proactivity—reflects a victory (Hasan).” These undertakings are the people’s way of conveying their voice to the
You have probably heard of African-American Rosa Parks who lived in a time of racial inequality. In December of 1942, Rosa refused to give up her bus seat to a white man. She was peacefully arrested (Newseum). Rosa Parks stated that “You must never be fearful about what you are doing when it is right.” Because of acts like this, African-Americans today enjoy the rights, liberties and equalities they deserve. American boxer Muhammad Ali also had a past of civil disobedience. During the 1960s, Ali opposed a military draft, entirely accepting the consequences of his choice. “Just take me to jail,” he stated. His actions brought a new perspective to the Vietnam War. Looking back, many pointless deaths could have been prevented if officials had listened to the boxer (Mullen). Civil disobedience still happens today, several exploits catching the attention of the news. “On Monday, the South Carolina state legislature had enough votes to remove the flag from the Capitol. But two days earlier, while politicians waged their wars with words and lobbied legislatures, Newsome, a 30-year-old North Carolina resident and community organizer, climbed the flagpole in front of the South Carolina state capitol building using a metal harness and removed the flag herself. She was promptly arrested afterward, but her smile—and the social media response to her proactivity—reflects a victory (Hasan).” These undertakings are the people’s way of conveying their voice to the