What is dissent? why is it important?

Definition:

The holding or expression of opinions at variance with those commonly or officially held.

Why is it important?

Dissent has a price - there is danger, the risk of persecution, split societies, maybe even death. But when societies are strongly repressive, there is no other way for a society to start to correct an injustice than through dissent.

either b) they were often feared and despised by other native cultures. or

c) their obsession allowed them to coexist with many other native cultures because of their peaceful nature.