Perception of Deviance in History.
ANSWER
- Social Norms and Legal Systems: Acts of deviance often involve individuals or groups challenging established social norms or legal systems. In the case of Rosa Parks, she defied the racially discriminatory laws and norms of her time. These actions may initially be perceived as disruptive or even unlawful.
- Heroic Acts and Social Change: Acts of deviance that are later viewed as heroic often play a crucial role in driving social change. They can shed light on injustices, mobilize public opinion, and inspire others to take action. Rosa Parks’ refusal to give up her seat served as a catalyst for the Montgomery Bus Boycott and broader civil rights movement, which eventually led to the desegregation of public transportation and other civil rights victories.
- Evolution of Public Perception: Public perception of deviance can change over time. What is initially seen as disobedience or rebellion against established norms can evolve into a symbol of courage, justice, and heroism, especially when it aligns with moral principles and advances the cause of equality and justice.
- Collective Memory and Historical Context: The perception of deviance as heroic can also be influenced by historical context and collective memory. As time passes and society reflects on the past, it often recognizes and celebrates acts of deviance that contributed to positive social change.
- Legitimacy and Moral Authority: Heroic acts of deviance often gain legitimacy and moral authority as they come to be seen as morally right or justifiable in retrospect. In Rosa Parks’ case, her refusal to comply with segregation laws was seen as a principled stand against racial injustice.
Other historical acts of deviance that later came to be known as heroic acts include:
- Martin Luther King Jr.’s Civil Disobedience: King’s advocacy of nonviolent civil disobedience challenged the status quo of racial segregation and discrimination. His leadership in the civil rights movement is now celebrated as heroic.
- Suffragettes’ Protests: Women who fought for women’s suffrage through protests and civil disobedience were initially seen as deviant by opposing the established gender norms. Their efforts, however, are now recognized as heroic in advancing gender equality.
- Harvey Milk’s LGBTQ+ Activism: Harvey Milk’s open advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights and representation in the 1970s challenged societal norms and contributed to the broader acceptance of LGBTQ+ individuals. His legacy is celebrated as heroic.
These examples illustrate that the perception of deviance can evolve over time, with acts initially seen as disruptive or deviant eventually being celebrated as heroic when they lead to positive social change and align with evolving moral values and principles. They also highlight the dynamic relationship between societal norms, legal systems, and the pursuit of justice and equality.
Question Description
I’m working on a sociology discussion question and need the explanation and answer to help me learn.
Rosa Parks’ act of deviance is noted as the launching point for the civil rights movement in the United States. What other historical acts of deviance later came to be known as heroic acts? What do these now-heroic acts suggest about the perception of deviance?