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Several injustices, such as racial discrimination and denial of voting rights, persist not only in the United States but also across the globe. Sadly, they weaken moral doctrines and constitutional principles that shape the prosperity of any society. The U.S. Constitution provides various rights and responsibilities to the citizens, helping to realize the American Dream. In this regard, there is uncertainty on the limits of the Americans active participation in political matters they perceive relevant or unethical. Some experts argue that it is essential to disobey the unjust laws that encourage social, economic, and political injustices (Walton et al., 2017). Although Americans should obey the constitution, they have a civic right to question the responsibility of their leaders. The citizens must express their dissatisfaction when a specific group or the entire population is oppressed. Therefore, American citizens have an indisputable duty to be politically active during times of injustices or gross violation of the constitution to safeguard the unity and peaceful coexistence of different population groups.
First, Americans confer the power to both federal and state governments through the election process, and they expect leaders to be responsible. Consequently, citizens act as overseers of government operations and can express their dissatisfaction if they feel their rights are overstepped. Corresponding to Martin Luther Jr.s assertion, Americans should use the three primary techniques, including negotiation, self-purification, and direct action, to fight injustices (King Jr., 1963). Negotiation is the most peaceful method and does not often involve the active participation of the people. However, when the government fails to address the populations concerns through negotiation and self-purification, then the latter have no option other than engaging in active political demonstrations. Besides, the U.S. constitution empowers citizens to participate actively in political matters, such as voting. Similarly, it allows people to hold their leaders accountable as their representatives, and, thus, there is nothing wrong with Americans participating actively in condemning injustices.
Americans also have a civil duty to facilitate the achievement of the American Dream. According to McKay (2017), citizens are the fundamental instruments in attaining any social, economic, or political goal. He adds that the American Dream revolves around all Americans, and every individual should create an environment that facilitates its realization through hard work, sacrifice, and risk-taking. In this regard, American residents have the right to condemn injustices, which impede their journey towards the dream. In organizing demonstrations against racial discrimination in Birmingham, Martin Luther Jr. acted as a role model for the Americans to realize that a time when actions work better than silence comes (King Jr., 1963). The U.S. Constitution guarantees the freedom of expression and assembly, and Americans should use this power to condemn injustices, which obstructs cohesiveness of their society. The American Dream can only be realized by citizens who can sacrifice their lives to fight for equity and rights of all people, irrespective of the cultural backgrounds, political affiliations, and economic status.
Additionally, Americans can enjoy the fruits of democracy by taking a bold step of disobeying unjust laws that undermine human dignity and morality. Agreeing to Martin Luther Jr.s letter to his fellow clergy, it is true that Freedom is never voluntarily given by the oppressor (King Jr., 1963, para. 11). People must use their power of assembly to show their discontent with existing disparities in the American society. According to Walton et al. (2017), political injustices arise from the violation of the citizens liberties or infringement of their rights. Indeed, the unfair procedures and inefficient political systems inspire the injustices, thus disregarding the democratic ideology that empowers individuals to express their views. While democracy gives superiority to the views of the majority, it does not warrant ignorance of the rights of the minority groups. Americans should advocate for a democracy that safeguards the welfare of every American resident.
Lastly, Americans must be politically active in condemning injustices because any contradicting actions support the persisting inequalities. It is irrational and morally wrong to witness the sufferings inflicted on fellow citizens and fail to condemn the perpetrators. As Martin Luther Jr. says, Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere (King Jr., 1963, para. 4). People may opt to remain silent and obey the unjust laws because they favor them. Unfortunately, remaining silent is similar to encouraging more injustices, and ultimately, everyone would experience the wrath of their silence. McKay (2017) also argues that speaking and condemning injustices through active demonstrations help leaders to envision the dissatisfaction of the people. Silence sends a message of satisfaction to the leaders, thus adding to the miseries of the oppressed. Americans should not fear to express their grievances using the best option, which would send a clear signal to rude and authoritative leaders.
Citizens have the responsibility and moral authority to shape the destiny of their country. While Americans have a civic duty to obey their constitution, they must safeguard the rights of the minority groups to realize the American Dream. Silence is not always a sign of obedience but sometimes signifies ignorance or a selfish behavior. It is illogical to remain silent when fellow citizens suffer owing to unjust procedures and laws. As Martin Luther Jr. explained to his fellow clergy, it is better to disobey unfair laws than permit injustices to be sanctioned to other communities. Therefore, Americans should be politically active in condemning injustices because it represents the best approach to exercise their power, promote democracy, and demonstrate sacrifice in strengthening human dignity and morality.
References
King Jr., M. (1963). Letter from a Birmingham Jail [King, Jr.]. Africa Studies Center University of Pennsylvania. Web.
McKay, D. (2017). American politics and society (9th ed.). John Wiley & Sons.
Walton, H., Smith, R. C., & Wallace, S. L. (2017). American politics and the African American quest for universal freedom (8th ed.). Taylor & Francis.
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