Civil Disobedience: A Comparative Analysis

Civil disobedience is peacefully protesting against certain laws or refusing to pay fines and/or taxes. The selections titled “Civil Disobedience” by David Henry Thoreau, “Non-violent Resistance” by Mohandas K. Gandhi, and “Letter from Birmingham Jail” by Dr. Martin Luther King all show themes of civil disobedience and peaceful protest. The first article, “Civil Disobedience” is written by Henry David Thoreau. Throughout this article it describes the fault in our government and how it is too controlling. This fits the theme of civil disobedience because it does not have an angry tone and calmly talks about how the government could be better. In the text it says “That government is best which governs least”, this is saying that when the government …show more content…
Gandhi titled “Non-violent Resistance” is also an excellent example of civil disobedience. There are many good statements about how citizens should stand up for what they believe is right which represents civil disobedience. The author writes “but through the other method of combating injustice, we alone suffer the consequences of our mistakes and the other side is wholly spared.” this explains that if people do not stand up for what they believe is wrong in the government, they will suffer the consequences. It also makes sure to get a point across that this should be done peacefully and not with violence which fits the definition of civil disobedience. Lastly, “Letter from Birmingham Jail “by Dr. Martin Luther King fits perfectly with the theme. As we all know, Martin Luther King is an excellent example of civil disobedience and has changed the world in a peaceful manner throughout his protests and speeches for equal rights. He said “we know through experience that freedom is never voluntarily given by the oppressor.” This describes that it is hard to try and gain more freedom because of our stubborn and judgemental government. He used civil disobedience and had hope that things would change for the