Response To Civil Disobedience

Civil Disobedience is a term that is held in a very stereotypical manner. When I think of the term, I think of a peaceful protest that eventually will solve the everlasting issue of governmental control regarding the people's lives. This term to me insinuates that no matter how terrible the situation at hand can be, individuals in any community like setting can ultimately be the bigger person and do no harm to anyone or anything while demoralizing a law. However in current situations, my assumption of the term has unfortunately taken a turn for the worse. Though this may be the case, I still continue to proclaim that civil disobedience sheds a positive light on communal views and how a society should handle an issue.

For example, the presidential

Not only does it encourage individuals to question authority no matter how high the power, but it also elucidates how man does not simply take what is told them as a primary source. They choose to dig deeper to find out the true value of what believe needs to be protested against or not. Henry David Thoreau explains that in reality "It is not a man's duty, as a matter of course, to devote himself to the eradication of any, even the most enormous, wrong; he may still properly have other concerns to engage him; but it is his duty, at least, to wash his hands of it, and, if he gives it no thought longer, not to give it practically his support. ". Through this idea, Henry indicates how individuals genuinely wish to be involved in politics. They choose not believe that the government hold the people's best intentions at heart, and choose to investigate the debates at hand on their own. Through this, the evolution of man also implies that we must not believe everything that is told and to question authority. Also, civil disobedience keeps people cognizant of what issues are going on around them and how they are

For example, Rosa Parks boarded a bus and sat on the whites only section, only to be arrested to do so. Through this horrific display of discrimination and disrespect, the Montgomery Bus Boycott shortly followed this incident, and overall discrimination began to decrease after as well. Through this significant show of bravery, Rosa Park was known to be "a symbol of dignity and strength in the face of discrimination" and "the mother of the civil rights movement". Her act of civil disobedience changed many Americans views regarding segregation and equality.

Overall, I believe that civil disobedience depicts a positive element regarding society as a whole. Though it seems like protesting without harm does not carry an instant effect, the long-term effects are what makes it worth while. If Rosa Parks were to physically harm every single white male on that bus, then the situation would've been completely different. However, her composure inspires people to not let the government get a rise out of her. In reality, the more mature a person acts about the situation, the more upset the opposing argument will