Gandhi’s Legacy of Resistance

Mahatma Gandhi: A Native American Perspective on Non-Violent Resistance

As a Native American student in New Mexico, I’ve always been drawn to leaders who fought for the rights of their people through peaceful means. Mahatma Gandhi stands out as one such leader whose life and teachings resonate deeply with my own cultural background and the challenges faced by indigenous communities. This essay explores Gandhi’s life and legacy, drawing parallels to the struggles of Native Americans and the power of non-violent resistance.

Early Life and Education

Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, later known as Mahatma Gandhi, was born on October 2, 1869, in Porbandar, India. Like many Native American youth, Gandhi faced challenges in the Western education system, struggling academically and eventually dropping out of college. This reminds me of the difficulties many indigenous students face when trying to navigate an education system that often doesn’t align with our cultural values and ways of learning.

Gandhi’s journey to become a lawyer by studying in England shows his determination to gain the tools necessary to fight for his people’s rights. This resonates with the experiences of many Native American leaders who have sought education as a means to advocate for their communities.

Fighting Discrimination in South Africa

Gandhi’s experiences in South Africa, where he witnessed and fought against racial discrimination, mirror the struggles of Native Americans in the United States. His development of the non-violent civil disobedience technique called Satyagraha is particularly inspiring. As Native Americans, we’ve often faced discrimination and injustice, and Gandhi’s methods offer a powerful example of how to resist peacefully yet effectively.

The Fight for Indian Independence

Gandhi’s return to India and his leadership in the fight for independence reminds me of the ongoing struggles for sovereignty and self-determination among Native American tribes. His methods of organizing boycotts, promoting self-reliance, and using non-violent protest are strategies that indigenous activists have also employed in their fights for land rights, cultural preservation, and environmental justice.

Gandhi’s willingness to go to jail for his beliefs echoes the experiences of many Native American activists who have faced legal consequences for standing up for their rights. His use of fasting as a form of protest is particularly powerful, showing how personal sacrifice can be a tool for creating change.

Impact on Global Politics

The impact of Gandhi’s work on the British Empire has parallels to the ways in which Native American resistance has shaped U.S. policies. Just as India’s independence weakened Britain’s global power, the persistent efforts of Native Americans to assert their rights have led to significant changes in U.S. law and policy regarding indigenous peoples.

Legacy of Non-Violence

Gandhi’s emphasis on non-violent resistance has had a profound impact on civil rights movements worldwide, including those led by Native Americans. Leaders like Sitting Bull and more recent activists have often emphasized peaceful protest as a means of achieving justice.

Unfinished Work

Gandhi’s feeling of failure due to his inability to create peace between Hindus and Muslims in India resonates with the ongoing challenges of unity and reconciliation in many Native American communities. It serves as a reminder that the work of healing and bringing people together is often a long and difficult process.

Conclusion

Mahatma Gandhi’s life and teachings offer valuable lessons for Native American communities today. His methods of non-violent resistance, his emphasis on self-reliance, and his unwavering commitment to justice provide a powerful model for our own struggles. As we continue to fight for our rights, preserve our cultures, and seek healing within our communities, Gandhi’s example reminds us of the power of peaceful persistence and the importance of maintaining our moral strength in the face of adversity.

By studying leaders like Gandhi, we can find inspiration and practical strategies for addressing the challenges that face Native American communities today. His life shows us that change is possible, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds, when we stand firmly in our beliefs and work together peacefully towards a common goal.

Reference Section

• Gandhi, M. K. The Story of My Experiments with Truth. Navajivan Trust, 1940.
• Brown, Judith M. Gandhi: Prisoner of Hope. Yale University Press, 1991.
• Wolpert, Stanley. Gandhi’s Passion: The Life and Legacy of Mahatma Gandhi. Oxford University Press, 2001.
• Churchill, Ward. Acts of Rebellion: The Ward Churchill Reader. Routledge, 2003.
• Deloria, Vine, Jr. Custer Died for Your Sins: An Indian Manifesto. University of Oklahoma Press, 1969.
• Gandhi’s Legacy of Non-Violent Resistance. History.com, A&E Television Networks, 12 July 2020.