Civil Disobedience In America Essay

In summation, civil disobedience is a tool that has been used to improve our freedoms through the decades. It has allowed for peaceful ways for the people to stand up for something they believe in. As Henry David Thoreau said, “The only obligation which I have a right to assume is to do at any time, what I think is right.” That is what makes a society free, the ability to disagree with others,

From Cherokee Indians refusing to abandon their homes in 1838 to the Sit-ins of the civil rIghts movement in the early 1960s, people have been using acts of civil disobedience to stand against injustice they saw in their communities. Although there are many examples of people abusing this benefit and causing more grief and shame than progress, many have used it to their advantage to bring about positive change for the greater good of society, therefore acts of civil disobedience can positively impact a free society if they remain peaceful, respectful, and justified.

Civil disobedience has been an act practiced by free societies across the globe. It has been a highly controversial topic in the Unites States over the years, as some believe the so-called "peaceful resistance" exemplifies too much defiance to the government. However, most believe that performing civil disobedience exercises many rights incorporated in the Constitution. Civil disobedience positively impacts a free society by allowing its citizens to express their opinions in a matter which draws the attention of the government, and heightens public awareness.

Throughout history Civil Disobedience has had nothing but positive impacts for our nation. The people are trying to improve the government the only way they know how. In 1847 Henry David Thoreau, a philosopher, wrote in his essay on civil disobedience “I ask, for not at once no government, but at once a better government.” A great example for a leap for rights would be the Montgomery Bus Boycott. On December 5th of 1955, African Americans took a vow not to take the bus as a silent and peaceful protest for segregation seating, this lasted 381 days. Finally, the U.S Supreme Court integrated their bus system. The boycott was only the start of the American Civil Rights Movement. Segregation was a big problem that we don't see much these days because people

America was founded on a principle of civil disobedience. With the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the Founding Fathers set forth a powerful precedent. The Declaration said in part, that when institutions of government becomes destructive or abusive of unalienable rights, it is the right of the people to alter it or to abolish it. The history of our nation tells us that civil disobedience is a civic responsibility, and in the alleged words of Thomas Jefferson, “Dissent is the highest form of patriotism”. From the Boston Tea Party to the Stonewall Riots, the United States Constitution and advances in racial, social, and gender equality support the idea that peaceful resistance positively contributes to a freer society, and a more equitable America.

When our founding fathers signed the Declaration of Independence in 1776, they set out to create a Democratic nation where everyone would be able to voice his or her own opinions and push for favorable reforms. This radical idea was challenged by the mightiest army in the world over a series of two wars, but prevailed through endless sacrifice by our nation's earliest patriots. Since, the freedom of speech has morphed into a central pillar for Democracy. Without it, most of the population would not be able to vote, gay rights would not exist, and the American Dream would never be fulfilled. By voicing the common people’s ideas, keeping governments honest in their service, and remaining peaceful, civil disobedience has and can continue to bring forth revolutionary change quintessential to our evolution. If not for civil

Civil disobedience comes in every package under the sun. Whether it be Henry David Thoreau refusing to pay his taxes to protest the Mexican-American War or Mohammed Ali refusing the draft because he believed that they were sending him to fight for rights in another country that he didn’t have in his own. The importance of civil disobedience, particularly in those with influence over the people, is often overshadowed by opposition leaders and naysayers on the other side of the argument. But civil disobedience has kept America moving forward for over 240 years and it won’t be stopping any time soon.

Throughout history, American citizens have voiced their opposition to certain legislation they felt were immoral. There have been various examples of protest, one of which ignites a lot of controversy; civil disobedience. Civil disobedience has been used by people who felt they were not being heard. Even though there are people who will argue against its effectiveness, this is a way for individuals to take part in their government and promotes a free society.

Civil disobedience is the refusal to conform to certain laws as a form of harmless political protest, while being aware of the consequences that could result because of it. Peaceful resistance to laws positively impacts a free society because actions are taken due to people letting their voice be heard. While some may argue that the main reasons of this are the five basic rights mentioned in the first amendment (freedom of speech, religion, press, assembly, and petition), this issue goes far beyond that. Without civil disobedience, many historical events might have not played such an important role as they did to the point that they changed America in numerous ways; not to mention the courageous people who still take part in protests today to claim the rights they should have.

Civil disobedience has been responsible for some of the most important steps forward in our nation's history, and will continue to be a positive force for change well into the future. The greatest example of this came during the Civil Rights movement. Beginning with Rosa Parks' gallant stand on the bus in Montgomery, the Civil Rights Movement was a perfect example of the power of standing up against

Civil disobedience, if nothing else, forces the government to act. Whether that action is beneficial or detrimental has varied greatly throughout American history, and usually resulted in a mixed outcome. For example, after South Carolina and the other Southern states seceded, a terrible civil war broke out. In the end, slavery was abolished in all of the states, but at the cost of national unity and the lives of hundreds of thousands of Americans. Similarly, the civil disobedience displayed by the American colonists in Boston during the 1770s led to an aggravated crown and a restless public, eventually giving birth to the American Revolution that would create the United States. The war cost thousands of lives, but brought freedom to the colonies, the very thing that the colonists wanted.

Civil disobedience targets change within society and brings a positive impact on society, but often a

During the civil rights movement, one of the main ways that MLK Jr. fought to find equality was to peacefully resist laws. During the women's suffrage movement, a way the National Women's Party (NWP)pushed to have their equality was to peacefully protest laws. Civil disobedience positively affects society because this form of protest gives citizens an outlet to try and bring great change to our society. These great changes brought to our society through disobedience help to ensure that the basic right to equality, guaranteed by the Constitution, is achieved on a day to day basis. Civil disobedience is an amazing ideal because of the power the ideal holds.

Impact of Civil Disobedience Joseph Thomas The act or art of peaceful disobedience to express our displeasure as it regards government policy or governance in general, has been a storied part of out history for over 200 years. (Zunes) Individuals or groups hope that these acts will change the government’s mind about certain decisions or policies. Or, at the very least, allows you or your group to make a public statement reflecting a personal belief.

Civil disobedience allows change in a government by protecting someone’s beliefs and ending discrimination. By taking a stand for a person's belief it can give the opportunity for others to witness different sides to the situation.