Creative Protests
Páginas: 2 (317 palabras)
Publicado: 14 de marzo de 2013
An opinion-led essay
Henry David Thoreau was an American philosopher, abolitionist and leading transcendentalist who wrote in the 19th century. Thoreau´s ideas on democracy, presented in theessay Civil Disobedience, have influenced many contemporary social reformers and still have a strong impact on the thoughts and actions of notable figures, particularly on social issues.
Firstly,Henry David Thoreau advocated nonviolent resistance or nonviolent action, that is to say, the practice of achieving goals through symbolic protests without using violence. He strongly believed thatnoncooperation with evil is as much a moral obligation as is cooperation with good.
There is no doubt that Thoreau´s idea greatly influenced the thoughts and actions of Martin Luther King duringthe 1950s in his peaceful campaigns against segregation in the United States. As Martin Luther King said in his autobiography, “we are heirs of a legacy of creative protest thanks to Henry DavidThoreau”.
Secondly, Thoreau also posited the idea that it is more important to develop respect for the right, rather than respect for the law. He highlighted the importance of the individual andsocial conscience. As he wrote, “…The only obligation which I have a right to assume is to do at any time what I think right”.
Thoreau´s convictions are still evident since many song writers haveused their art to express either their support for various social movements or their outrage over social injustices. For example, Another Day in Paradise that was released by Phill Collins in 1989as well as Where is the Love? that was put out in 2003 by the hip-hop group The Black Eyed Peas, among others.
It is undeniable that Thoreau has exerted a strong influence on social reformersand other figures who promoted awareness of social issues that concern every human being. The beneficial effect of his beliefs has brought about positive changes to society.
Priscila Kondratiuk
Henry David Thoreau was an American philosopher, abolitionist and leading transcendentalist who wrote in the 19th century. Thoreau´s ideas on democracy, presented in theessay Civil Disobedience, have influenced many contemporary social reformers and still have a strong impact on the thoughts and actions of notable figures, particularly on social issues.
Firstly,Henry David Thoreau advocated nonviolent resistance or nonviolent action, that is to say, the practice of achieving goals through symbolic protests without using violence. He strongly believed thatnoncooperation with evil is as much a moral obligation as is cooperation with good.
There is no doubt that Thoreau´s idea greatly influenced the thoughts and actions of Martin Luther King duringthe 1950s in his peaceful campaigns against segregation in the United States. As Martin Luther King said in his autobiography, “we are heirs of a legacy of creative protest thanks to Henry DavidThoreau”.
Secondly, Thoreau also posited the idea that it is more important to develop respect for the right, rather than respect for the law. He highlighted the importance of the individual andsocial conscience. As he wrote, “…The only obligation which I have a right to assume is to do at any time what I think right”.
Thoreau´s convictions are still evident since many song writers haveused their art to express either their support for various social movements or their outrage over social injustices. For example, Another Day in Paradise that was released by Phill Collins in 1989as well as Where is the Love? that was put out in 2003 by the hip-hop group The Black Eyed Peas, among others.
It is undeniable that Thoreau has exerted a strong influence on social reformersand other figures who promoted awareness of social issues that concern every human being. The beneficial effect of his beliefs has brought about positive changes to society.
Priscila Kondratiuk
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