Research Paper
Civil Disobedience by Henry David Thoreau
Throughout history, there are multiple incidences where people protest against the government to express their desires. Civil disobedience is one of the practices used to seek government attention. Civil disobedience is a citizens’ refusal to obey the law or commands from the current government. Civil disobedience can be described as a passive but peaceful form of resistance that does not result in violence. In this case, any kind of violence includes intimidation, property damage, and verbal abuse (David B. Tindall). It can either take a direct or indirect form of civil disobedience. Civil disobedience is among the tactics used by nationalists and philosophers in various countries in the past. Civil disobedience is viewed as a ceremonial act of violating law rather than a rejection of the entire legal system. The primary purpose of using civil disobedience is to set an ethical illustration and provoke the government to implement social, economic, and political changes. Participants in any form of civil disobedience willingly refuse to comply with the set laws. Instead, they dramatize their concerns.
Civil disobedience is classified differently from other illegal acts since all participants in civil disobedience are fully aware of its wrongful nature and the consequences of breaking the law. Civil disobedience is also analyzed differently. Various schools of thought critique the acceptance and use of civil disobedience. On the other hand, others extend the logic of civil disobedience on individual rights to break laws and anarchy. Thus, the interpretation of civil disobedience is divided into social change or philosophical approach. However, all acts of civil disobedience have a philosophical or religious foundation.
Background of Thoreau and Why He Wrote On Civil Disobedience
Civil disobedience dates back in history. David Thoreau was the first person to write about civil disobedience. Thoreau was born in 1817 in Massachusetts. Thoreau was a strict follower of transcendentalism, a philosophical view that focuses on the goodness of a man and the benefits of individual independence from society. Transcendentalism encouraged a culture of observation and inquiry. Thoreau’s decision to follow transcendentalism was influenced by Ralph Waldo Emerson, who was the transcendentalist leader. Thoreau grew to popularity as a result of his inspiring works on civil disobedience and naturalistic artistic works. He was also famous for engaging in various acts of civil disobedience. For example, Thoreau willingly failed to pay taxes to protest the Mexican War and slavery. During his existence, Thoreau emphasized the importance of self-reliance and individuality.
Thoreau’s acts of civil disobedience revolve around resistance against the Mexican War and slavery (The School of Life). In the 1850s, slavery in America was popularized through the introduction of slavery friendly laws. Consequently, there was massive resistance from Northerners who attempted to express sentiments on anti-slavery. The period of resistance led to various forms of slavery. During this period, Thoreau emphasized that it was unjust for the government to collect taxes from citizens as long as it engaged in unfair actions.
Further, he emphasized that individuals must choose to either pay tax or defy the government by failing to pay tax. Thoreau’s argument was based on a notion that the government requires people to engage in unjust ways such as paying taxes to support slavery and Mexican War, and then it would be appropriate for the same people to break laws. Thoreau concluded his notion by asserting that the rightful place for a just man in prison. Thoreau’s decision to disobey the rules led to arrest, where he spent one night in jail. Later, his aunt paid his tax bills.
Thoreau’s anger and negative attitude against the government inspired him to write and publish his works on civil disobedience. In his writing, Thoreau argued that real patriots were not citizens who blindly followed the current administration. Instead, true patriots are those that followed their conscious and reasoning principles. Thoreau further added that any democratically elected administration must be resisted whenever its actions are unreasonable. Thoreau mocked politicians and legislators by urging patriots not to reassign their consciousness to legislations and crooked power.
Summary of Civil Disobedience
Civil disobedience is founded on three governing principles. One, ‘maintaining respect for the rule of law even when breaking the specific law that you perceive as unjust’ (Gier). For example, Socrates chose not to break any other law by fleeing from prison after correctional officers were bribed. Two, ‘plead guilty to any violation of the law.’ For example, Gandhi was willing to submit to any penalty inflected as a result of his actions. And lastly, ‘attempt to convert your opponent by demonstrating justice of your case.’ The principle focuses on winning friendship and understanding of your opponents.
Civil disobedience initiated by David Thoreau was coiled around poetry and a source of revolutionary change. Civil disobedience is based on one’s ability to prioritize over dictates of the law. Citizens should do what they believe is right rather than blindly follow the law. A person should resist all forms of unjust actions, even if it means failing to support a corrupt government. David Thoreau, who was initiated civil disobedience, claims that a country’s state is a result of the citizens and not the government. Participating in elections is not enough; citizens should be more active and ready to resist any form of unreasonable and corrupt government activities. Civil disobedience encourages citizens to take back their power and take the necessary actions over the governing institution. People must take practical steps against any form of a corrupt institution. For example, repel from supporting any immoral activities of the government.
Civil Rights Movements of Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr.
Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr are among activities that broadened and applied the scope of civil disobedience. Gandhi’s acts of civil disobedience started in South Africa in 1906. Gandhi’s primary influence was protecting the rights of Indian immigrants. Gandhi was motivated by Thoreau’s writing on civil disobedience and Plato’s apology of Socrates. Later in 1915, Gandhi returned to India, where he used civil disobedience as the primary tool to instill moral elements in the leadership and governance of the Indian nationalist movement. Gandhi dubbed his campaign and practice of civil disobedience as ‘Satyagraha,’ It was guided by six factors that regulate the application of theoretical civil disobedience to practice (Shabnam). Gandhi stressed that it is not enough to improve the states, but it is equally important to enhance civil society. Gandhi urged Indians to incorporate civil disobedience and voluntary social work. In his writing, Gandhi identified social evils in Indian culture, which required to be eliminated through civil disobedience. Gandhi concluded that civil disobedience without effective programs is like a paralyzed hand trying to lift a spoon.
On the other hand, Martin Luther King Jr is one of the significant figures who contributed to civil disobedience in America (Weber). Luther used civil disobedience as a distinguishing tool of civil rights. Luther was motivated by Thoreau’s and Gandhi’s writings on civil disobedience. Luther used various letters to address racial discrimination practices in the United States of America. Luther used civil disobedience with Christian humanism to address laws that were considered unjust. He termed segregation laws as unfair and dehumanizing, and the best way to solve them was to disobey them. Luther actualized Thoreau’s potential by making civil disobedience a respected culture of American politics. During his existence, Luther led to the formation of civil rights movements that were used to bring change in America by fighting for equal recognition of all Americans irrespective of their race.
In today’s society, civil obedience is used to condemn and resist corrupt behaviors. Historical figures created a perfect guideline on how to execute the action of civil disobedience. Different people have come out to engage in various forms of civil disobedience. Individuals and groups that participate in the civil rights movement challenged modern problems such as climate change and racially-based killings, among other human rights concerns (Züger). Jane Fonda and Greta Thunberg are examples of activists who fight against climatic change. The Sudan crisis is another example of civil disobedience actions used to resist lousy governance and corrupt leaders. Techniques used in modern civil disobedience include unofficial marches, blockades, sit-ins, product, or service boycott, among others.
Position on the Use of Civil Disobedience
Civil disobedience is complex in a hypothetical and practical approach. Acts of civil disobedience are justifiable but in exceptional scenarios. Based on its governing principle, civil disobedience threatens the rule of law. It offers confrontation between the authorities and the citizens based on what is justifiable. I believe civil disobedience is legitimate and should be applied to bring social change. However, while conducting civil disobedience, there should be regulations to determine the extent of social action. Further, it should use reasonable justifications for engaging in acts of civil disobedience. Human rights groups and human rights activists are current supporters of civil disobedience.
Civil disobedience is a historical milestone that was used to bring social change in society. Significant figures and pioneers of civil disobedience created a framework that is used to date. In today’s setting, people use civil disobedience to resist corrupt activities. However, people need to analyze justifications used to conduct acts of civil disobedience reasonably. Civil disobedience should also provide room for negotiations between the authorities and promote democratic governance that addresses the needs of its citizens.