Civil Disobedience Transcendentalism

Peaceful resistance to rules and regulations among society goes down historically as something so inevitably iconic as an occurrence known as civil disobedience. It is no doubt that civil disobedience, the act of opposing a law deemed unjust and peacefully disobeying it henceforth, spurs such great controversy in our society. Civil disobedience impacts society in a positive manner that does not hinder nor deteriorate the good name of the just nation that is home, but moreover poses as an influence for what is better accepted by humans as lawful.

Rosa Parks, a prominent female figure noted for her courageousness in standing up for African Americans in the fight to end racial segregation, brought upon civil disobedience through her brave
Thoreau declares “that government is best which governs least” but is actually relating “that government is best which governs not at all.” He claims the government operates as an expedient, for society uses it merely for the purpose of getting things done. Thoreau compares the government to a standing army, always being around even when it’s unnecessary, and to a wooden gun, looking impressive but being deemed as useless. His main concern involves the government’s idea of majority rules, and how it works effectively for issues of practicality, but not for issues of morality. This is applicable in society today as certain topics, like abortion, should not be left in the hands of a majority. It is a more personal and ethical concern and should not be influenced nor determined primarily by the government. In an article by Rick Lyman, Merle Hoffman demonstrates the fight for abortion rights by insisting a proclamation at St. Patrick’s Cathedral as a form of civil disobedience to enforce women’s rights. Thoreau does not condone acts of cruelty, but outlines that the only condition one can break the law is when the law forces one to do wrong. Instead, he peacefully resists and simply questions the integrity of the government,