Many AS AQA A students will be familiar with Rosa Parks and the effect she had on the American Civil Rights Movement. One day, while travelling home from work she refused an order from the bus driver to give up her seat to a white person. Her civil disobedience led to a bus boycott and inspired others to take action against an unjust law. This case is used as an example of how the actions of one individual can bring about social change, especially when they (in this case Rosa Parks) have risked their own liberty (the augmentation principle).

This week President Obama visited the museum where the bus Rosa was sitting on is one of the displays, leading him to reflect on how courage and tenacity have been part of America’s recent history (see here).