Nonviolent Direct Action In The Secret Life Of Bees

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I believe that it takes more courage to engage in nonviolent direct action, like Bayard Rustin did against Jim Crow laws, rather than being involved in physically fight back against oppression, like Rosaleen at the end of chapter one. I believe this primarily because if the oppressed side chooses to be violent, then it gives the other side a reason to discriminate against them even more and it will cause them to fight back even more. In The Secret Life of Bees, Rosaleen decides spill her snuff jar onto the men because they were using racial slurs and belittling her due to her skin color. Although she was rightfully defending herself, she was attacked by the men, and when the police came, she was the one to be blamed and arrested. Her actions …show more content…

In “Non Violence vs. Jim Crow”, it says, “I left the courthouse, believing all the more strongly in the nonviolent approach. I am certain that I was addressed as "Mister" (as no N---- is ever addressed in the South)...” In this quote, it shows that Bayard was released from the courthouse without complications and was even given respect by the assistant district attorney. If he had chosen to restrain and fight, as Rosaleen did in The Secret Life of Bees, then he would have issues with being accused of assault and he would have many accusations against him that would make him look like the person at fault. Recently, in today’s world, there are marches for multiple issues to make people’s voices heard. Although the Women’s March had been to protect women’s rights regarding their healthcare and personal rights, it relates to the nonviolence aspect that Bayard Rustin promotes since the Women’s March on DC was peaceful. It had involved thousands and it had the job to gain awareness for their issues in a peaceful manner, by only marching, and letting the number of participation within the march speak for