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Why Is Civil Disobedience Important

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Why Is Civil Disobedience Important
There is importance in order, as it is necessary for members of the country to be United States rather than just states. There is beauty in disobedience, as it is necessary to create changes that allow for a shift based on morals. Maybe it's the mentally-developing teenager inside of me talking, but rebellion doesn't come from a place of hate but rather from hope for the future. Although it is simple to place order and chaos on opposite sides of the mental spectrum, both are needed for a cohesive yet transforming country. The history of America has been launched by civil disobedience - defined as nonviolent actions against injustice. As Americans we can choose to stay stagnant, or reach to create a greater future for the upcoming generations. Civil disobedience isn't a selfish act, but a movement for the posterity of our country. Our country has been founded upon civil disobedience - just ask the Sons and Daughters of Liberty. Even during a time where our country was controlled by an …show more content…
It took years for rights to be expanded to others. One of the greatest examples of civil disobedience to allow for the expansion of civil rights is through Martin Luther King Jr.'s history of protesting segregation against black people. In my early education, I was aware of King's importance to civil rights but never understood what he had to go through in order to create a change. By being introduced to Letter from a Birmingham Jail in high school, I finally recognized that before he had a dream of equality King had to have the action of protest. Throughout his letter, he emphasizes the distinction between just and unjust laws. As King states, "An unjust law is a code that is out of harmony with the moral law" (King, 1963). Americans must understand that civil disobedience should only be exemplified when there is a moral purpose behind the desire for
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