Thomas Jefferson's Theory Of Civil Disobedience
When injustice occurs, change is demanded. Voices that speak out against an offence initiate change. This change begins with action. Acts of civil disobedience are necessary in any democratic society. The ideology began with Thomas Jefferson’s concept of rebellion. It was later demonstrated by the outcry that led to Brown v Board of Education and continued with Rosa Parks’ defiance on a bus. Through Martin Luther King Jr.’s letter from a Birmingham jail and present-day protests in airports nationwide, it is evident that peaceful resistance to laws positively impacts a free society.
Thomas Jefferson helped lay the foundation of a democratic society that would develop as time progressed. Jefferson stated in his theory of civil disobedience, …show more content…
In 1950, Brown attempted to enroll his daughter into Summer Elementary in Topeka, Kansas. The application was denied because he was an African American man. “Jim Crow Laws”, designed to segregate and oppress African Americans, enabled the rejection of the application because of the “separate but equal” doctrine. However, the schools were far from equal. Brown challenged this and took it to court. In 1954, it was ruled that “’separate but equal’ had no place. “Separate educational facilities are inherently unequal.” This historic case led to the desegregation of public …show more content…
Martin Luther King, Jr.’s actions exemplified the power of peaceful protests. King traveled from Atlanta, Georgia to Birmingham, Alabama in 1963 to fight against the hatred that plagued the town. As King called attention to the violence occurring, he stated, “There can be no gainsaying the fact that racial injustice engulfs this community.” After failed negotiations and broken promises, King and his followers decided to boldly stand up for their rights. He did not suggest violence or acting in spite, but King demanded people come together and speak out. Together, they did this through acts of civil disobedience. The sit-ins and marches led by King and other activists like him, gave a voice to the
Thomas Jefferson helped lay the foundation of a democratic society that would develop as time progressed. Jefferson stated in his theory of civil disobedience, …show more content…
In 1950, Brown attempted to enroll his daughter into Summer Elementary in Topeka, Kansas. The application was denied because he was an African American man. “Jim Crow Laws”, designed to segregate and oppress African Americans, enabled the rejection of the application because of the “separate but equal” doctrine. However, the schools were far from equal. Brown challenged this and took it to court. In 1954, it was ruled that “’separate but equal’ had no place. “Separate educational facilities are inherently unequal.” This historic case led to the desegregation of public …show more content…
Martin Luther King, Jr.’s actions exemplified the power of peaceful protests. King traveled from Atlanta, Georgia to Birmingham, Alabama in 1963 to fight against the hatred that plagued the town. As King called attention to the violence occurring, he stated, “There can be no gainsaying the fact that racial injustice engulfs this community.” After failed negotiations and broken promises, King and his followers decided to boldly stand up for their rights. He did not suggest violence or acting in spite, but King demanded people come together and speak out. Together, they did this through acts of civil disobedience. The sit-ins and marches led by King and other activists like him, gave a voice to the