Compare and Contrast Between Martin Luther King and Henry David Thoreau
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David Thoreau VS Martin Luther
There were times throughout the history of the United States when its people have felt the need to revolt against the government. There were such cases during the time of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Henry David Thoreau. During martin Luther king was when there was unfair discrimination against the African American community where as Thoreau with his “Civil Disobedience,” when the time of Americans refused to pay poll taxes to support the Mexican War. Martin Luther and David Thoreau both believed that government had many faults against community. Even though both writers wrote on the same issue in other words “Civil Disobedient,” they have opposite ways of convincing people.
First of all, David Thoreau was one of the most important characters of the nineteenth century with his essay “Civil Disobedience,” which was written as a speech, which it has been used by many people. During his days, he was very aggressive and self-confident for his own personal hate against the government. For instance, he feels that conscience plays a more personal role. As he stated, “Can there not be a government in which majorities do not virtually decide right and wrong, but conscience? Must the citizen ever for a moment, or in the least degree, resign his conscience to the legislator? Why has every man a conscience, then? I think that we should be men first, and subject afterward (Henry David Thoreau, p.178).” Thoreau is questioning why majorities make the rules. He is questioning democracy. Hes telling people to question anything they do and why people should give into the government if they do not agree with a law. If the community believes that they are free, why do they have so many rules? Thoreau believes that people should be real to their selves and live for each other, not for the need of government. Thoreau, in his enduring contemplation of life and its purpose, insightfully analyzes the conflicting relationship between the government and the people in the government. He sympathetically suggests the concept that the majority of people are reserved by the government and society. For example, making decisions with consideration of their conscience and that they need to overcome the control of the government to realize their own ethics and morals. Moreover, Thoreau with his persuasive essays, appeals represents significant rhetorical factors that rate the effectiveness of impact against government. Although Thoreau applies ethos, logos, and pathos in his essay, his writing lacks able organization, which affects the presentation and efficiency of his appeals. His General idea was that people first should not obligate to what they believe is right and not to follow the law. In other words, when the government is unjust, people should refuse to follow the law.
Martin Luther King Jr. on the other hand, was a hero that headed the Civil Rights movement. He was a great speaker that influences huge amount of people, a powerful writer whose philosophy and believed in non-violent but direct action. Dr. King is religious, gentle and apologetic; focusing on what is good and how to create peaceful between people. He wanted to ultimately raise awareness and open doors for the better