The Justness Of Civil Disobedience

Words: 1220
Pages: 5

Civil disobedience is nonviolent resistance manifested by an active, perceived refusal to obey certain laws or commands of a government. It involves the symbolic violation of a particular law and not a rejection of an entire system. Individuals that engage in civil disobedience often than not found themselves on the wrong end of the law. It is because, those in power feel threatened by such acts and feel the need to enforce the law at all cost. It has led to the branding of a civil disobedient individual as an enemy to the state and not the hero and martyr they are to the society. It is a concept that has historically led to controversy and hence the perceptions that we hold about it. However, analyzing the arguments and the historical
outcomes
…show more content…
In most cases, civil disobedience is the only option that individuals remain with to get the attention of the government. We can be fast to judge the civil disobedient as being radical and rush in making decisions. However, the changes that the civil movements over the years have affected are not imaginable in any other way. In most scenarios, the individuals left with no option following failed negotiations for social change. It is widely known that an oppressor cannot give up freedom to the oppressed on a silver platter. Historically, it hasn’t happened, and it is bound not to happen in the present. Martin Luther King, Jr points out that the whole point of civil disobedience is to make it impossible for the authorities to ignore the cries of the marginalized African Americans. He even documents that all the negotiations and promises given to them in the past were not fulfilled. In fact, the black people had waited for change for over 300 years, and none was forthcoming and hence the need for civil disobedience. King states
Debassige 3 that the intention was to create a, “Non-violent tension that is constructive and necessary
…show more content…
What amounts to crimes in civil disobedience are the acts that may be forbidden by law such as blocking roads, trespassing, and disturbing peace. It makes even the judges not to punish the disobedient the same way that they would punish another offender that commits a similar crime such as disturbing peace or trespass. Breaking the law is a clear signal of being contrary to the authority mostly in pursuit of their audience for possible negotiation and resolution. King acknowledges the fact that his acts would lead to some form of legal action against him, and that is why he accepts his fate of ending up in jail as a result of his intense campaign and disobedience. A case was accepted by Socrates when he chooses to face the law with the jury sentencing him to death than dropping his course.
Debassige 5
In conclusion, it is imperative to accept that civil disobedience is one essential tool that the public and the citizens hold against any form of oppression by their leaders. It is because; a majority of those in power may make laws that suit personal gains and those of the minority at the expense of the public. However, with civil disobedience, it is a proven tool to bring