How Does Civil Disobedience Impact Society
The Positive Impact of Civil Disobedience
One way through which the society is impacted is civil disobedience. This act of opposing a law that one consider unjust can either positively or negatively impact a free society. Since the liberalization of most regions and country in the world, civil disobedience has been a key weapon in showing displeasure of unjust laws and it is remarkable that it has achieved more than it has destroyed. To a large extent, it is through civil disobedience that the two greatest evils of the 20th century – colonialism and cold war – were both overcome. Additionally most laws that oppressed a certain population such as women came to be abolished hence restoring humanity in the world. A lot has been achieved …show more content…
It sheds light to people to be able to differentiate good and evil. Henry David Thoreau challenges citizens of a particular state or country on their degree of conscience. He says, “Must the citizen ever for a moment, or in the least degree, resign his conscience to the legislation?” He adds that people must be people first before being subjects. He gives an example of soldiers and security officers who serve only in the interest of a few people in the name of defending the law that at times even hurts them. He argues that such mass of men unless they exercise their moral sense of judgment then they are no different from machines, wood and stones. Civil disobedience makes people know learn of the laws that are oppressive and the ones that are equal and just. Additionally laws that would harm their environment or resources can be revisited. For example the recent arrest of 160 people in connection to the ongoing civil disobedience against Keystone XL Tar Sands Oil Pipeline during Obama’s presidency. Despite the estimated $7 billion economic benefits, this project posed a great environmental threat through greenhouse emissions. The project was later dropped hence probably saving the environment. Most recent civil disobedience seeks to shed more light on the fundamental rights of people, racial equality, strengthen the rights of women and advocate for the rights of laborers such as minimum wages. In November
One way through which the society is impacted is civil disobedience. This act of opposing a law that one consider unjust can either positively or negatively impact a free society. Since the liberalization of most regions and country in the world, civil disobedience has been a key weapon in showing displeasure of unjust laws and it is remarkable that it has achieved more than it has destroyed. To a large extent, it is through civil disobedience that the two greatest evils of the 20th century – colonialism and cold war – were both overcome. Additionally most laws that oppressed a certain population such as women came to be abolished hence restoring humanity in the world. A lot has been achieved …show more content…
It sheds light to people to be able to differentiate good and evil. Henry David Thoreau challenges citizens of a particular state or country on their degree of conscience. He says, “Must the citizen ever for a moment, or in the least degree, resign his conscience to the legislation?” He adds that people must be people first before being subjects. He gives an example of soldiers and security officers who serve only in the interest of a few people in the name of defending the law that at times even hurts them. He argues that such mass of men unless they exercise their moral sense of judgment then they are no different from machines, wood and stones. Civil disobedience makes people know learn of the laws that are oppressive and the ones that are equal and just. Additionally laws that would harm their environment or resources can be revisited. For example the recent arrest of 160 people in connection to the ongoing civil disobedience against Keystone XL Tar Sands Oil Pipeline during Obama’s presidency. Despite the estimated $7 billion economic benefits, this project posed a great environmental threat through greenhouse emissions. The project was later dropped hence probably saving the environment. Most recent civil disobedience seeks to shed more light on the fundamental rights of people, racial equality, strengthen the rights of women and advocate for the rights of laborers such as minimum wages. In November