Henry David Thoreau’s Civil Disobedience is an example of a rebel. Many of his negative views and ideas about government are focused on the American government. Thoreau believes that government should not be expected to do their job. The text states, “Government does not work best if it doesn’t govern at all…” Government is usually an expedient, but all governments are sometimes inexpedient. (1) Thoreau declared governments useless and ineffective. He is rebelling against the government because he believes it is almost redundant.
The text further states, “Let all men decide what kind government would earn their respect. That is the first step towards obtaining that government.” (3) Thoreau’s argument for the minority of people also makes him a rebel. He wants everyone’s ideas to be heard. Also, he would like for the minority and majority to be put into practice. Thoreau believes everyone’s ideas should matter and be taken seriously. It is less effective than acting on the majority of the state’s wishes. The song is a critique of the role of a “stay-at-home” parent, especially from the perspective of a father who challenges the notion that women are “stay-at home” parents. The lyrics of the song are “…we’ve been brainwashed into believing that we have to fit in a certain role. It’s women who have to look after the children and men who work. I know it’s hard. I’m staying home for 2010 because I don’t want to trade my briefcase.
These lyrics argue that people don’t have to conform to stereotypes and can do what they want. Thoreau believes that people should act on what they believe. The article states, “If my pursuits and contemplations are to be pursued, I must first make sure that I don’t sit on the shoulders of another man.” He must let me go first so that I can pursue my contemplations. (5) Thoreau is saying that society’s expectations should not lead to one becoming attached to something. People need to be more open-minded and free-willing in order to achieve their goals and not those of others.
