Opposition to Institutional Injustice: Henry David Thoreau’s Argument for Civil Disobedience Henry David Thoreau lived in time of great injustice that stemmed from the United States government. Thoreau had a strong conviction against social issues during his life especially towards slavery and the Mexican-American War, which he considered completely unjustifiable. Thoreau attributed the failure of social progress to the United States government. In the work “Resistance to Civil Government” Thoreau argues, in response to slavery and Mexican-American War, that individuals should protest unjust government laws, actions, and institutions in order to create a more equitable society. Thoreau begins his essay with, “I heartily accept the motto,—’That government is best which governs least;’ (843).” Thoreau argues that government is the institution responsible for social injustices. Laws are imperfect and government enforcement of laws does not make the laws just. The point that has been made, “Thoreau maintains that because law is an instrument, the laws passed by government are no better than the people they regulate. (Bankston 6)” laws and regulations are just as corruptible as people. …show more content…
He puts blame to those even in Massachusetts, calling them out for being content with their own social economic status. Thoreau argues that it does not matter location of injustice, but the government that creates the injustices should be condemned. Thoreau supports his claim by stating, “I answer, that he cannot without disgrace be associated with it. I cannot for an instant recognize that political organization as my government which is the slave's government also (Thoreau 845).” There should be no toleration of the status quo in an institution where there is injustice. Individuals should not wait for others to take actions, but should take the responsibility of