Governments are imperfect and while in some circumstances the majority of its citizens agree with its decisions and laws, there is always opposition. Protest to laws has occurred since the earliest days of organized government and in many cases it has succeeded in the form of civil disobedience. Through this method, activists can gain notoriety or insight a reaction without any physical damage to others or property. Unjust laws should not be tolerated, and all citizens have the right to oppose a law in a peaceful and legal fashion. Peaceful resistance to laws is an effective form of protest, and brings a positive impact on a free society. The Civil Rights Movement in the US epitomizes the power of civil disobedience. Since the introduction of slavery, Blacks had been oppressed by the White dominant government of the US. Blacks were segregated from Whites, with unequal protection under the law. Black activists emerged, most notably Martin Luther King Jr., promoting peaceful protest in opposition to laws withholding Blacks from basic rights such as voting. Even after the Civil Rights …show more content…
In India, led by Mahatma Gandhi, Indian citizens protested against British Rule in the Non-Cooperation Movement of 1922. Indians left their positions in British sponsored schools, military service, civil service, police service, and lawyers were asked to leave the courts as they were headed by British judges. Public transportation and English goods were boycotted. The British emplaced government was shaken by the mass exodus of its employees, as well as the boycotting of its goods (Encyclopedia Britannica). While the movement did not bring immediate results, it created an awakening for the British rulers who realized disapproval by Indians. This event catalyzed the movement which eventually led to India’s independence in 1947, freeing Indians of British rule (Encyclopedia