Effects Of Civil Disobedience

Historically, America has always been a land of rebellious individuals. Since inception, the idea of being subordinated into compliance never set well with the rugged individual spirit. The protests escalated from the stubborn refusal of paying taxes, but the message still remains: controlled protests have paved the way for increased political conversation and improved democracy, despite the claim that it is too rebellious.

As a young nation, many elements of government and civilian life continually evolve. Increasing discussion on these issues leads to a better relationship between the people and the government. Without civil disobedience, the voice of the people would not be heard. Many young Americans have spoken out against unjust decisions

Without protests, walkouts, and sit ins there would be no change. Democracy is a beautiful idea that is designed to be fluid to accommodate the people’s needs. Without resistance, the oppressed would never rise above the chains that bind them. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., a man who advocated for peace, also advocated for disobedience. One of the most famous works to come from the Civil Rights Era was his Letter from Birmingham Jail. That letter has become a symbol for taking action against an unjust system that “degrades human personality”. As a result of his call to arms, a sociopolitical revolution occurred that ultimately resulted in the ratification of the Civil Rights Act in 1964. Without the courage that it took to go to jail for his cause, the rights movement would not have been as successful. King’s actions lead the way for other equally important rights movements. Women’s rights was spearheaded by women influenced by The Feminist Mystique by Betty Friedan. Stretching into today, modern disobedience strives for reproduction rights as well as equal pay in the new age feminist movement. LGBTQ protests have been an evolving movement spanning from the riots at Stonewall, to the latest success with Obergefell v. Hodges. Protests extended beyond physical ones, including electric works of art by artists such as Keith Haring. Without the brave individuals peacefully advocating for the happiness of all Americans,

The idea of a “responsible citizen” leads these individuals to question the mindset it takes to rebel. A “good” citizen is one who obeys the laws, and it is our duty to uphold the laws determined by our government. However, when the laws meant to protect and make sure the liberties of all are discriminating against a specific group of people, change needs to occur. In most cases, change means taking drastic measures. Another reason the freedom to protest is disregarded, is the suggestion that disobedience heads way to disrespect. Everything is dangerous in the wrong proportions, but non-violent revolutions are nowhere near as treacherous as the movement to stop the constitutional right to free