Essay On Injustice Anywhere Is A Threat To Justice Everywhere

Martin Luther King Jr. argues that civil disobedience may be used when a law is unjust. His infamous quotes says “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere,”(1). MLK explains there are four essential steps in a non violent campaign for justice. First you must collect evidence of inequity, attempt to negation with those in power, self purification and then participate in civil resistance. Direct action is a required measure when negation is no longer a viable method of change. MLK insists that the extreme havoc will force the oppressors to reconsider negation. This would allow for progress to be made when the need for change has manifested and there is no longer an alternative action. MLK argues that a law is unjust when it denies a minority not only their constitutional rights, but their God-given rights as well. A just laws forces people to rise up
I believe civil disobedience is making a conscious decision to hold yourself to a different moral standard than what is legally required of you. Those in a position of power or privilege have an greater obligation to act in defiance to wrongful and discriminatory laws. Having no opposition to an unjust laws is the same as supporting the oppression on a minority. America is a democracy, which in theory, means you should have a voice. When that ability to speak up and be heard has been taken form you I believe it is well within your rights to create noise until you are answered. This right to civilly disobey has been cemented in our constitution with the First Amendment and Nullification. Time and time again these rights have been upheld in the highest courts. Every American has a responsibility and a privilege to create a resistance in an unjust law. I believe civil disobedience is essential to this country, as it embodies the spirit of freedom and advocation of equality in which America was founded