LANGUAGE IN INDIA

Strength for Today and Bright Hope for Tomorrow

Volume 15:10 October 2015
ISSN 1930-2940

Managing Editor: M. S. Thirumalai, Ph.D.
Editors: B. Mallikarjun, Ph.D.
         Sam Mohanlal, Ph.D.
         B. A. Sharada, Ph.D.
         A. R. Fatihi, Ph.D.
         Lakhan Gusain, Ph.D.
         Jennifer Marie Bayer, Ph.D.
         S. M. Ravichandran, Ph.D.
         G. Baskaran, Ph.D.
         L. Ramamoorthy, Ph.D.
         C. Subburaman, Ph.D. (Economics)
         N. Nadaraja Pillai, Ph.D.
Assistant Managing Editor: Swarna Thirumalai, M.A.

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Citizenship: The Legality of Breaking the Law

Selvi Bunce

Abstract

This paper discusses the role and function of model citizens and argues that model citizens (for example, Rosa Parks, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Mahatma Gandhi, and Nelson Mandela) stood up for what they believed in, and in the end they improved society for the rest of their fellow citizens. They may have broken the laws, but they did what was necessary for the betterment of civilization. A comparison of the arguments of Crito, Antigone and Socrates is presented. Crito supports breaking the law in order to save Socrates, which would keep the future bright for aspiring scholars. Socrates himself does not wish to be saved because he believes the best model of citizenship is composed purely of respect for the law. On the other hand, Crito’s dedication and bravery and his model of citizenship offer the best arguments/solution. Crito’s model of citizenship is the best model for modern day citizens to follow since his actions resemble both bravery and critical thinking.

Keywords: Model citizen, Crito, Antigone, Socrates, ideals of citizenship.

Model Citizens

Rosa Parks, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Mahatma Gandhi, Nelson Mandela. These are names every child in the American public school system learns by the time they are in sixth grade. Great people, revolutionary movements. It is not new or surprising to group them together. They all had unique goals, but a common factor among them was civil disobedience. Each of these outstanding people spent their share of time in jail. And yet, they are remembered favorably throughout history. However, at the time of their action, those in power viewed them as nuisances. The great British powers would not have described Gandhi as an inspiration, and the leaders of South Africa definitely did not see Mandela in any positive light. But I see all of these people as model citizens. They stood up for what they believed in, and in the end they improved society for the rest of their fellow citizens. They may have broken the laws, but they did what was necessary for the betterment of civilization.

This is only the beginning part of the article. PLEASE CLICK HERE TO READ THE ENTIRE ARTICLE IN PRINTER-FRIENDLY VERSION.

Selvi Bunce
C/o. languageinindiaUSA@gmail.com
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