Why Is Civil Disobedience Still Relevant Today

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Henry David Thoreau once said, in his article “Civil Disobedience,” that “All men recognize the right of revolution; that is, the right to refuse allegiance to, and to resist the government, when its tyranny or its inefficiency are great and unendurable.” When he stated this, Thoreau was writing in regard to civil disobedience and his refusal to pay taxes in protest of slavery and the government’s involvement in the Mexican-American War. Civil disobedience can refer to disobeying laws that are thought to be unjust or to using peaceful protests, demonstrations, sit-ins, and other measures to bring attention to significant issues. Thoreau’s statement is still relevant to the world today. Society can use acts of civil disobedience to change laws that are inequitable. Often, that is the only option people have to bring attention to issues that affect their lives. Using civil disobedience to change the injustices plaguing society will make our government stronger for future generations.
It is important for society to protect its rights when they feel the government is unjust. Throughout history people have used civil disobedience to bring about change. During the Revolutionary War, Americans protested against the British with the Boston Tea Party and refused to pay unfair taxes. Similarly, the suffrage movement used peaceful protests and rallies to bring
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Large groups of people, involved in the civil rights community, are assembling and marching throughout the city in protest of unfair police treatment. These groups are attempting to encourage government officials to examine unjust policies and protect the rights of all citizens. They are insisting that the police department and city government are accountable for the actions that have unfairly targeted their community. They are in the pursuit to offer better lives for themselves and their

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