Theories Of Civil Disobedience

Civil disobedience has been used to peacefully protest for change for decades. The idea that it is acceptable to rebel against injustice is one that is fundamental to the very start of our nation. The American Revolution, while not a non-violent rebellion, is an example of fighting for something that is believed to be right. It is from here that the idea of civil disobedience stemmed, and from here which it grew. Henry David Thoreau illustrated the need for civil disobedience when he said, “The authority of government… [,] to be strictly just must have the consent of the governed.” The changes that have been brought about by this kind of peaceful protest have changed our world for the better. I believe that civil disobedience is something that

Martin Luther King, Jr. defines civil disobedience as the act of nonviolently refusing to obey unjust laws as a form of protest, usually resulting in accepting the consequences of

Civil disobedience is a crucial part of any free society, especially a society that wishes to give its citizens the most liberty possible. Looking back on American history, one can see that the colonists originally protested the laws that Britain had imposed, and had done so peacefully. By not paying taxes and by assembling outside public offices, the colonists disobeyed British laws and the British crown. Their protests not only helped spark the American Revolution, but also made light of the fact that any free society relies on its citizens to disobey the government, especially when it's done peacefully.

Civil disobedience is defined by the Merriam-Webster Dictionary as "a refusal to obey governmental commands especially as a nonviolent means of protest."(Jacobus) We can see an example of this in U.S. history, when this theory was applied during the Civil Right Movement. The laws back then restricted African Americans from being able to attend public schools or use public restrooms that were designated as "white only." Even though they had paid taxes like everyone else, these types of segregation laws targeted minorities and made them second-rate citizens. Martin Luther King, who was sincere in exposing

If we take a closer look at civil disobedience, we can better understand what it means, its goals, and its outcomes. Civil disobedience predominantly exists as direct and non-violent government defiance. Instead of voicing an opinion with a vote or a simple conversation, civil disobedience stands up for what is right using an individual’s whole influence. Therefore, some sacrifices regarding the legality of actions are made in order to preserve the integrity of the mission. In other words, why should a protester follow the law that they are trying to alter? That doesn’t make much sense, therefore civil disobedience allows unjust laws to be broken for the greater good. This method is very effective if, for example, a minority is attempting to

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.

Civil disobedience is the refusal to conform to a society or a set of laws. Civil disobedience has come a long way from its beginning. It has been developing and will continue for generations to come, as it is considered a duty of a person. The opinions and beliefs of civil disobedience cultured in our society by both Henry David Thoreau and Martin Luther King Jr. are still present in our modern-day society; nevertheless, these opinions and beliefs still need to be expanded in order to keep up with the fast-growing population.

Our nation was built on civil disobedience and it has always been a privilege we have held high. It is for this very reason why the First Amendment of our Constitution outlines the right to a peaceful protest among other rights most important to us. But over time, some members of our nation have lost sight of this liberty and see peaceful resistance as nothing more than groups of people who have no respect for the law. But civil disobedience is not doing whatever you want, whenever you want. Civil disobedience is actively protesting what is morally wrong and is the way to a more free and just society.

Civil Disobedience is a right that is afforded to all people. When Civil Disobedience is used as a method of getting your point across to the government and law officials it is ok although when things turn violent and get out of control then that is when it is bad. Carl Cohen feels that Civil Disobedience is a method that condones going against authority and promotes violence while Henry Thoreau believe that Civil Disobedience is a great way to draw attention to the wrongs that need to be made right. I believe that everyone should have the right to express themselves without fear of negative response. Recently here in Charlotte NC with the death of Lamont Scott, who was believed to be an unarmed black man killed by a cop, there was Civil

Civil Disobedience is a practice that's being used as far back as times of discrimination against blacks in the south. Even though slavery had been completely gotten rid of in the United States, the south still hated blacks with a passion. This led to the creation of Jim Crow laws, laws that looked as though they were helping blacks but really hurt them. Blacks had finally had enough and decided they would try and get equal rights one way or another, so they started politely disobeying the laws. In the 50's, a black man named Homer Adolph Plessy sat in a white train car because of the law he heard about, "Equal protection under the law" and he was arrested for doing so. This led to the creation of the "Separate but Equal" law.

Eye catcher… Civil disobedience is an active refusal to obey (laws, demands, and commands). It can be from disagreeing with your parents to breaking a law. Civil disobedience is a negative force when the public is misinformed, breaking laws, punishments way out of hand for the situation, and misinterpret what is or is not civil.

Civil disobedience is an important part of shaping our societies positively to object to unjust laws or to protest against what we deem to be unfair. Throughout the history of the United States, there have been many who used civil disobedience to protest and bring about change. One of the most famous examples would be Doctor Martin Luther King Jr. who used nonviolent protest to fight for civil rights for African Americans. Maybe Muhammad Ali comes to mind when you think of civil disobedience as he refused to join the draft to protest the Vietnam war. Just maybe the most recent example of Edward Snowden is what you think of who revealed just how much the government is watching us.

The refusal to obey an unjust demand for a moral belief and the refusing of the violence that may occur, are fundamental for civil disobedience. As civil disobedience is to peacefully reject a law, strong set of opinion, or something not fair. Civil disobedience can be found any where from a fictional greek story, to a real life actor who cares about the safety of the environment, to an ordinary person living their life.

Many people don’t know what civil disobedience is and ask what it is? Civil disobedience is when people protest peacefully rather than protesting with violence or the intentions of hurting and destroying people's belongings. Civil disobedience is a symbolic violation of the law rather than rejection of the law as a whole. I agree with civil disobedience because I would rather see people protest peacefully and obey the law rather than protesting with violence.

Civil disobedience is a peaceful way to protest issues. Some people believe that civil disobedience is not an effective method for change because it isn't legal. Others think that civil disobedience is an effective way to make change because it is a way to protest a problem without violence. I believe that civil disobedience is an effective way to make social changes. “Civil disobedience becomes a sacred duty when the state becomes lawless and corrupt.”