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April 04,
2017
Rewarding Disobedience
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Most people would say they disapprove of breaking rules. But one highly respected
university in America is offering a big prize for exactly that.
The MIT Media Lab is seeking nominations for candidates from all over the world.
The best candidates are doing or have done difficult and important work that is not
always recognized.
The award is open to people in all fields, including science, politics, law, journalism,
medicine and human rights. The Media Lab is looking for rule breakers who have
taken a personal risk to help society.
Joi Ito directs the Media Lab at MIT. He says, You dont change the world by doing
what youre told.
But, he says he is not suggesting people break laws or rules without reason.
Sometimes we have to go to first principles and consider whether the laws or rules
are fair, and whether we should question them, he says.
The American civil rights movement wouldn't have happened without civil
disobedience. India would not have achieved independence without the pacifist
but firm disobedience of Gandhi and his followers. The Boston Tea Party, which we
celebrate here in New England, was also quite disobedient.
Media Lab says the award will not support acts of violence, terrorism or dangerous
behavior.
The nominating period will be open until May 1. Anybody may nominate an
individual or group for the award. Self-nomination is not permitted. Nominations
will be accepted on the MIT Media Lab Rewarding Disobedience webpage.
Media Lab will present the winner or winners with the prize at a ceremony July 21. A
short list of candidates will be announced before the event in Massachusetts.
Im Dorothy Gundy.
Dorothy Gundy reported on this story for Learning English. Caty Weaver was the
editor.
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pacifist - n. someone who believes that war and violence are wrong and who refuses
to participate in or support a war
New England - n. region in the U.S. including the states of Maine, New Hampshire,
Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut
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