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Reimagining Civil Disobedience: A Modern Approach for Racial Justice Movements
Traditional frameworks of civil disobedience inadequately address the unique challenges faced by racial minorities. These Frameworks, which emphasise strict non-violence, the acceptance of punishment, and adherence to societal norms of civility, are insufficient when applied to minorities facing systemic racism and oppression. The standards set by these frameworks are shaped by dominant societal norms, meaning they frequently marginalise the voices of racial minorities and overlook the systemic injustices they aim to confront. Through exploring the Civil Rights Movement and the Black Lives Matter movement, this paper critiques these conventional standards and argues for a modern, broader conception of civil disobedience, keeping with traditional requirements of publicity and illegality whilst allowing for property damage and indirect action. While recognising the continued importance of the rule of law, the paper contends that civil disobedients should not be treated as harshly as ordinary offenders. By expanding the boundaries of civil disobedience, this framework seeks to provide a more inclusive and realistic approach to activism, one that better reflects the historical struggles of racial minorities