Critical Thinking E block

2. Why Americans Tolerate Unjust Government: On pp. 69 – 70, Thoreau explains his opinions of why Americans tolerate injustices such as slavery and imperialistic war. What reasons does he give? What does he mean by “The American has dwindled into an Odd Fellow, -- one who may be known by the development of his organ of gregariousness, and a manifest lack of intellect and cheerful self-reliance. . .?” How might this also represent today’s average American? Discuss the pivotal question: “Unjust laws exist: shall we be content to obey them, or shall we endeavor to amend them, and obey them until we have succeeded, or shall we transgress them at once?” Why do we obey, according to Thoreau? Discuss the remainder of the 1st ¶ on p. 70 in this light, especially, “Why does it always crucify Christ, “ etc.