VS.
Reading Malcolm X, I can't help but relate him to the leader of my people, Mahatma Gandhi. Mahatma Gandhi was a great man who liberated India from British tyranny. Gandhi was born in the state of Gujarat in India (that's where I'm from!!). Like Malcolm X, Gandhi was imprisoned many times; however, Gandhi was imprisoned by the British for protesting against their policies in India which hurt the people. Unlike Malcolm X, Gandhi preferred to use non-violent means in liberating India and used to fast for days to protest while he was in jail. Also similar to Malcolm X, Gandhi hoped to become a lawyer (he did but quit when treated like a member of an inferior race). Ironically, these two leaders, half way around the world from each other, and living in approximately the same period, fought for the freedom of their race from tyranny, and from the white man. Both strived to achieve "a spirit of unity and brotherhood" between their respective kind (Haley 347).
I personally consider Mahatma Gandhi to be a role model to me. Not only did he achieve the independence of India, but he did so in a non-violent fashion; something that had been unheard of at that time. Furthermore, Gandhi underwent physical torture upon himself by fasting for weeks on end until his demands were met. He was willing to sacrifice anything in the service of his country. I am personally influenced by Gandhi as I now try to be as non-violent as I can be. Often, I strive to not get mad and settle different matters in a peaceful manner, as Gandhi demonstrated. Like Gandhi, I am also try be truthful all the time and benefit from that. An interesting fact is that I can also trace some of my lineage to Gandhi. My grandmother's maiden name before she was married was Gandhi. Therefore in contrast to many of the African American's in Malcolm's time, and many people today, I know my lineage and am aware that I am 100% Indian.
1 comment:
I thought it was interesting how you connected Ghandi to Malcolm I believe they are similar in ways, but also very different. I liked how you had a connection with him because you grew up where he did. I thought it was interesting how both of them were imprisoned because they were sticking up against unfair treatment against them. I think it is very cool how you are so influenced by Ghandi and his pacifism. I also think it is awesome how you can trace Ghandi back through your family.
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