8.2.6 The Power of Civic Action
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8.2.6 The Power of Civic Action
No matter your perspective on citizenship, good citizens are those who work towards making their community, nation, and world a better place. In every system, some disagree with current government practices. Dissent is a political act that refers to the many ways in which citizens voice their disagreement with government policies and actions. People who practice forms of dissent are called dissidents.There are many reasons people do not agree with government actions. In your study of the historical evolution of liberalism, you learned that, as people obtained more economic freedom, they demanded more political and social rights, which led to the fundamental rights and freedoms guaranteed by democratic systems today. What happens in political systems that have traditionally not been democratic? How has the pro-democracy movement led to political change in contemporary society?
After the collapse of communism in the Soviet Union, the former nations of the Soviet Union moved towards both capitalism and democracy. However, political change was slow. Many nations retained their communist leaders because there was no effective system in place to remove them. Many nations experienced voter intimidation and election fraud. One example was the Ukraine, where a massive protest movement led to change.
Besides voting, citizens in democracy can openly protest, peacefully gather, and openly express their beliefs in public. Unlike non-democratic nations, citizens can publicly dissent or disagree with their government.
Courtesy Linda Howell Brewer
For example, protesters in the image are taking part in a massive protest in London, England. Their demonstration was part of a worldwide anti globalization or global justice movement that remains highly critical of economic globalization and the
increasing control of the world's economy by powerful international corporations.
Anti globalization protesters take to the streets to get their message across, especially at global conferences such as those held by the World Trade Organization and the G-8 (an international forum for eight industrialized nations) or G-20 (Group of Twenty Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors).
Their actions usually range from peaceful protests to large-scale demonstrations. Sometimes this shuts down cities and lead to looting, vandalism, violence, and property damage.
Anti globalization protesters take to the streets to get their message across, especially at global conferences such as those held by the World Trade Organization and the G-8 (an international forum for eight industrialized nations) or G-20 (Group of Twenty Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors).
Their actions usually range from peaceful protests to large-scale demonstrations. Sometimes this shuts down cities and lead to looting, vandalism, violence, and property damage.
Citizenship in a liberal democracy means obeying the laws created by our democratically elected governments. But it also means freedom of thought and freedom of conscience. What happens when the views of citizens conflict with those of government?
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"How Idle No More Sparked An Uprising Of Indigenous People", CBC News, You-tube
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"What Can You Do RIGHT NOW To Save The Earth?", Life Noggin, You-tube
Civil Disobedience
Sometimes differences in ideology results in a citizen peacefully breaking of the law. This is called civil disobedience. You may see it when an environmentalist illegally chains themselves to a tree to prevent deforestation, or in other cases, they simply refuse to obey a law that is 'unjust' and are willing to accept the consequences of breaking that law.The Civil Rights movement in the United States used many different strategies to bring about change in the law and greater equality for African-Americans. One of the most famous leaders of this movement, Martin Luther King Jr., championed civil
disobedience and peaceful protest.
"History of the Civil Rights Movement", WatchMojo.com, You-tube
During the Vietnam War, American pacifists disobeyed the law in a number of ways. Some young men refused to enlist in the army and burned their draft (conscription notice) cards. Others refused to join and deserted by fleeing to Canada.
Read the following sections of your textbook Perspectives on Ideology:
"The Call to War", pages 469 to 472
"The War against the Vietnam War", pages 485 to 489
"The War against the Vietnam War", pages 485 to 489
Consider the case of pacifists, people who are committed to peace and do not participate in military action.
- What happens when pacifists are expected to protect their nation by entering into military service?
- Or what about participation in wars that citizens may feel are unjust, unwinnable, or pointless? How should citizens act in those situations?
During the Vietnam War, American pacifists disobeyed the law in a number of ways. Some young men burned their draft (conscription notice) cards to enlist in the army, others refused to join and deserted by fleeing to Canada.
This cartoon was published in 2003, the same year the United States invaded Iraq.
What comparison is being made between dissent and the practices of a dictator like Saddam Hussein?
What comparison is being made between dissent and the practices of a dictator like Saddam Hussein?
©Mike Keefe, InToon.com.jpg
Read page 472 in your textbook Perspectives on Ideology.
As you read, take notes on the following:
- What strategies of dissent are used most commonly?
- What strategies of dissent are most effective?
- What connections do you see between liberalism and dissent?