Radical Reform Movements

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The 21st century has been an era of radical reform movements; two of the reasons for these movements have been to achieve equality for the LGBT+ community and to legalize abortion. These movements go against modern society’s older conservative beliefs. Those who agree with older conservative beliefs think that marriage should remain between a man and a woman and that there are only two genders. They also believe in pro-life movements rather than pro-choice movements. Today’s reform movements are paving the way for a much different future than the older conservatives could have ever imagined. These campaigns for reform are promoting radial social change that go against older conservative beliefs. In regards to the conflict occurring between …show more content…
In this lecture Emerson states, “…not to the rock which resists the waves from age to age, nor to the wave which lashes incessantly the rock, but the superior beauty is with the oak which stands with its hundred arms against the storms of a century, and grows every year like a sapling; or the river which ever flowing, yet is found in the same bed from age to age.” Emerson reserves this label of “beauty” to a method of gradual change not drastic change, which in his mind would disrupt the natural state of things. To him change should be gradual as to abide to nature and maintain continuity of nature’s form. This proves that Emerson would not agree with the degree or method of reform in the 21st century. Reform movements in modern society are radical and exhibit no continuity with the past. For example, the LGBT+ rights movement has already made drastic changes to society in the few years it has been in existence. This movement has already led to the legalization of same-sex marriage in the United States as recognized by the federal government. The latter quote proves Emerson believes that change should happen over time and be a result of the past rather than a radical break from it. This movement did none of that and instead questioned the lack of equality members of the LGBT+ community had, then demanded equality, and completely changed our social ideals. The same goes for the pro-choice movement as it is a relatively new movement but it has already made strides. Emerson believes change should be evolutionary not revolutionary as demonstrated by the previously stated quote and the LGBT+ and pro-choice movements were definitely
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