Civil Disobedience In Dr. Martin Luther King's Letter From A Birmingham Jail

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Throughout American history, those that have been let down by society have challenge the norms to bring about change. Truthfully, the United States was founded because of civil disobedience as colonists decided to fight against the British after years of injustice. In 21st century America, the nation faces issues with immigration, Islamophobia, and racial discrimination. Activists use methods from those that came before and accept the consequences of disobeying laws they believe to be wrongful. However, for decades, political analysts have questioned the moral of civil disobedience. Is it right to purposefully break the law? Are there not lawful ways for change? How does it affect society? The answer is quite simple. The act of civil disobedience …show more content…

One of the most well-known uses of civil disobedience was done by Dr. Martin Luther King during the Civil Rights Movement of the 20th century. Dr. King and his colleagues would meticulously question what laws they would violate while preparing for the consequences that would come whether physical, psychological, or spiritual. In Dr. King’s “Letter from a Birmingham Jail,” he addresses the criticism that his actions are “unwise and untimely.” The significance of this letter is King’s calm, yet powerful tone and the fact that this is a dialogue between two religious leaders who believe and practice the same faith. From this letter, people can understand how dedicated King was to his cause. He addresses the steps taken by himself and his fellow activists in changing oppressive Birmingham. He discusses how those involved in the movement have assessed how and where injustice exists. Therefore, King’s actions are not a spur-of-the moment decision …show more content…

King’s letter when boxer Muhammad Ali refused to be drafted in the Vietnam War. During the time, his action was seen as un-American and disrespectful. However, Ali was not a draft dodger. As mention in Mullen’s article, “Muhammad Ali’s Anti-War Stand…,” Ali had in no way tried to evade the draft decision; he stayed in the US to bravely fight the call and to let his voice be heard. Ali even went on to state that, “[his] enemy’s white people not the Vietcong, the Chinese or the Japanese.” Hence, he makes the argument that the Vietnam War was not for him especially when there was still discrimination that should be addressed in the United States—an argument that is similar to Black men during World War II. Though Ali was not as educated as Dr. King and other activists, he knew how to get his voice and opinion out to the public. He knew that there would be penalties for his actions, but he did not falter his stand. With Ali’s stand against war, people today can understand that it does not take a college education or a government position to let your voice to be heard. What people need is unwavering courage and determination to call out what is wrong with the

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