Throughout history and modern day, disobedience has prompted social change and the reformation of various aspects of life. Acting out in peaceful ways has directly influenced government actions that changed the lives of Americans. Disobedience is a valuable way to create change and promote unity as long as it is carried out in a peaceful, respectful, and nondestructive manner which respects the views of those on both sides and avoids angering either party. 

The civil rights movement surged in various points during the past few centuries, leading to desegregation and voting rights for African-Americans. One person who was very influential to this movement was Rosa Parks, a civil rights activist who refused to give up her seat on a segregated bus in order to allow a white person to sit down. While she was prosecuted for her actions, the widespread effects of Parks’ peaceful protest were immense. This action inspired other activists and Americans to conduct other peaceful protests such as the Montgomery bus boycott. Her disobedience and the events that followed caused the general success of the civil rights movement, as African-Americans gained many rights. Today, the diverse communities within America are generally considered equal. The actions of one brave but disobedient woman inspired massive change. Acting out against injustice helps promote a cause and inspire real action. In this way, disobedience that respects the rights and property of others forces authority to consider the wants of the activist without inciting anger. If a person is too deeply upset by the activist’s actions, then they will not be compelled to consider the cause. This is why conducting necessary and thoughtful disobedience in a peaceful manner is much more effective than random acts of violence. As seen in the actions of Rosa Parks, respectful disobedience is extremely valuable when attempting to advance social justice. 

On a smaller scale, disobedience allows a weaker group of less influential people to unite and cause a larger change. Recently, my school proposed the removal of an advisory or homeroom period. This upset many students due to the usefulness of this time for doing homework, group projects, or simply socializing. In response to this proposition, the student advisory council, a group of students who work closely with the principal, put together a campaign to keep advisory. They hung up posters and made announcements to the school each morning. Students passed out flyers and candy to encourage other students to join the movement. They also organized a walk out, which was carried out against the principal’s wishes. Together, these acts, including one of peaceful disobedience, prompted the principal to reconsider the decision at the next meeting of the advisory council. He agreed to compromise and allow a small period of time at the end of first period which would allow students to utilize time to work in the morning while limiting movement within the school. This change satisfied both parties, easing the principal’s concerns while considering the demands of students. Smaller-scale activism can spark change within a community, as the disobedience of students caused a larger movement which eventually led to compromise. Peaceful activism can bring together a community of fighters who work together towards a common goal. While those leading the movement may be mere students, they have the power to influence adults in power by banding together. Peaceful activism brings positive awareness to the issue and creates a large enough group of people who care about the issue to force leaders to create change. Alone, a person can only do so much, but a group of people, although weak when ununited, can become a very strong force. 

While violent disobedience has also been able to enact change, this is often less useful and only effective when combined with peaceful activism. A historical example of this is the actions of Marcus Garvey within the Civil Rights movement. He acted in a non peaceful manner, often leading violent protests and bold marches that ended in fighting and often death. Garvey was often shunned by other leaders of the movement, as they disliked his Back-to-Africa movement. This fractured the cause and slowed progress. Additionally, Garvey was not able to use violence to create a large following, and little change came of his actions. Other leaders used Garvey’s principle of Black Pride, the idea that the self-reliance and independence of the African-American community would bring freedom, to conduct peaceful marches, protests, and speeches. It is these leaders, including Martin Luther King Jr. and Rosa Parks, who eventually created change. The violent disobedience employed by Garvey had little effect and did not promote unity within the movement but rather fractured it. Despite his actions, other activists used unity and showed respect for others and their surroundings in their protests, which actually caused change. The camaraderie and demanding nature of peaceful disobedience causes this method to be much more effective than violent outbursts. 

Peaceful disobedience is often necessary in advancing social conditions and promoting equality. These actions are more effective than violent movements, which often do not achieve their goals. It is important to use nondestructive disobedience to open the ears of authorities and enact change within a community, whether that community is large or small.