Essay:
Instruction:
Read "Civil Disobedience" by Henry David
Thoreau. Summarize the essay. This summary should be at least a paragraph
(250 words). Then write a response. Consider:
Is it ever justifiable to break the law in order to make a
statement?
What are some laws you would break in order to create
lasting, moral change in our society?
How might you engage with social issues without breaking the
law?
If Thoreau is right, and voting is only a distant form of
action, what are some more direct forms of action?
Are there any social justice organizations that you would be
willing to get involved with?
These are only possible questions (which I will, of course,
be asking when we discuss the reading) but they may help you with your
response. Your response should be at
least two paragraph long (550 words, but go over if you like) and should do
more than simply agree with Thoreau in a vague manner. Go deeper: think about your own life, the
causes you care about, the issues that concern you, the community in which you
live, anything along those lines. What
is important to you? What would you be
willing to break the law for? What is a
worthy cause?
Any reflection that answers questions along these lines will
be considered a success. Be specific and
really think about what matters to you and what you would be willing to do
about it. Maybe you are against Thoreau
and don't think civil disobedience or protesting will make a difference. Maybe, but you can assume Thoreau would
reply: not doing anything will definitely not make a difference either.
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