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Essay On Civic Action

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Reflect:
1. How can civic action at the local level change society?
Through protests and social reform, civic action can change society at the local level. Small acts of defiance or demonstrations can go a long way, and many times civic actions serve as inspiration and motivation for a society. Local actions and events eventually lead to national change, but it all begins with a smaller crowd. For instance, the 18th Amendment. It began with people wanting to get rid of local saloons, and people being unhappy with many alcohol-caused accidents. Eventually, society began to question the safety of alcohol consumption. Carrie Nation is a key example of how civic actions can greatly impact a society. She took her axe and sang Christian songs while breaking down bars
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Now that's civic action, and it brought attention to the temperance movement. Eventually, the 18th amendment was established because society (most of it) felt that alcohol was something that should be prohibited. An even greater example is the Civil Rights Movement. Local civic action such as marches and demonstrations brought light to the racial injustices happening locally and nationally. Students endured sit ins at lunch counters, even when drinks and food were spilled on them. This happened in several different cities, and as society became more aware of the growing support for African American rights, more people became involved in the movement. Civic actions raise awareness on certain issues, and can completely change society's overall opinion.
2. What issues arise at the local level, and what action can be taken to solve the problems that arise?
Most of the time, the issues that arise at the local level are social issues. Issues concerning people's safety, rights, health, and opportunities are usually questioned and fought over. However, action can be taken to resolve those problems, and usually occurs in the form of civil disobedience, marches, violent protests, and


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