Summary:
Many times in American history citizens have disagreed with the laws of the government and felt the need to revolt. During such periods of time Martin Luther King Jr. and Henry David Thoreau led passive revolts.
Thoreau and King
Many times in American history citizens have disagreed with the laws of the government and felt the need to revolt. During such periods of time Martin Luther King Jr. and Henry David Thoreau led passive revolts. Martin Luther King Jr. is known for is passive resistant form of protesting the injustices to the African American population in America. Henry David Thoreau is well known for is refusing to pay poll taxes that would support the Mexican War. Both men practiced non-violent forms of protest to try and reform unjust laws and ways. For their efforts they suffered prison sentences and threats from those representing their opposing cause. Even through their sufferings both remained dignified and stood for what they believed was right, but unlike many others they did this without becoming violent.
Throughout his essay, "Civil Disobedience" Thoreau states his opinions about the American government and tries to persuade people to believe what he states. To help in persuading his audience Thoreau gave examples of his reasonings and asks questions so they could connect themselves with his issues. King also uses these methods when trying to speak with his audience. In asking questions the two men are hoping to get people to think of the answer. Often in the thinking process issues and ideas are brought forth that may have not yet been thought of do to the ignorance of so many people. Examples help people actually be able to visualize a subject. Visualization helps for the issues to sink in and really mean something and stick with the audience. Thoreau and King's methods for expressing their feelings about their current social issues helped to persuade a number of people which in turn helped to make changes in the nation.
Thoreau and King also have a common criticism of the government in their writings. Thoreau often speaks aloud negatively about the government, criticizing it in many ways. He that he felt "the only obligation which I have a right to assume, is to do at any time what I think is right" (Thoreau 2). Also Thoreau felt that the government was too involved in the lives of its citizens and stated, "That government is best which governs least" (Thoreau 1). Thoreau also felt that it was not fair for a man to have to pay for a war that he did not agree with. The war that Thoreau was against was the Mexican War. To protest this war Thoreau refused to pay his taxes. King also disagreed with much of what was going on in the government. Concerning King was the injustices that he felt were allowed to occur against the African Americans. In "Letter From Birmingham Jail" King commented on how amazing it was that blacks had to fight for the right to be able to have a cup of coffee at a café counter by a white man. This right and other simple rights that black people were denied made them feel inferior. The changing of many laws and practices were do to the dedication of Thoreau and King to their beliefs.
To fight for their beliefs both Thoreau and King practiced passive resistance. The men choose to be nonviolent rather than violent. If the men had chosen to be violent they would have just been putting themselves to level of the people they were fighting. King said on his nonviolent approach:
The nonviolent approach does not immediately change the heart of the oppressor. It first does something to the hearts and souls of those committed to it. It gives them new self-respect; it calls up resources of strength and courage that they did not know they had. Finally it reaches the opponent and so stirs up his conscience that reconciliation becomes a reality (Schulke).
To protest the government Thoreau simply refused to pay his tax. When he was sent to jail he complied and did so without complication. King protest by having marches and quiet demonstrations. He was a large advocate of non-violence and pleaded with his followers to not be violent with those who they were angry with. His calm marches and sit-ins helped to the black community to be heard by the rest of the nation. Thoreau and King were able to get many followers to practice their same passive resistance. The two along with their followers helped to get the laws of the nation changed.
Although Henry David Thoreau and Martin Luther King Jr. may have been fighting for different causes they were fighting for the same idea, unjust laws performed by the government. Thoreau's ideas were legendary and are influential to people still today. He influenced many great leaders including King. Together both have forever changed the United States by inspiring those who have come after them to protest and reform the unjust laws that may be stopping citizens for reaching their full potential and doing what it best for themselves.
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