Gandhi’s writings on his beliefs in accordance with the issues between India and Great Britain were quite an interesting read. The interaction between Reader and Editor reminded me of a scholarly debate we as students often participate in. Yet, Gandhi’s most fascinating and well-known discussion titled “Passive Resistance”.
In this chapter, he speaks about “soul-force” and how it is a better alternative than violence in regaining Home Rule in India. Gandhi justifies this method saying, “If the story of the universe had commenced with wars, no a man would have been found alive today,” (p. 89). He does not see violent retaliation as a correct way of gaining control over the nation. In full, he describes it as, “a method of securing rights by personal suffering; it is the reverse of resistance by arms. When I refuse to do a thing that is repugnant to my conscience, I use soul-force,” (p. 90). Instead of resisting outwards towards others, one takes the responsibility of direct action upon themselves. Passive resistance is like defying the laws and government when they are unjust. When this sort of action is taken, it seems to be more effective and less destructive unlike Michael Kohlhaas’ rampage for the injustices he suffered. Passive resistance coincides more with the values upheld by most religions that preach against murder and violence. This is also the method widely used today in protesting controversial issues like animal rights and antiwar beliefs. Gandhi’s views on passive resistance have revolutionized the way we view direct action.
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I agree with your claim on the importance of passive resistance and how we still use it today in several ways. A simple and appropriate way to display a political message is passive resistance. By choosing not to be a part of a certain party or choosing not to vote, one is making a political statement. In passive resistance I do not believe that you are defying the laws of the government. For example, Gandhi's way of passive resistance was his period of fasting. This did not defy the laws of the government; however, it was a passive way of protesting.
Good use of connecting other works. What you are saying is true though. I like how you brought in Michael Kohlhaas and showed application of Gandhi's method of 'passive resistance." Martin Luther King is also another person who used Gandhi's teaching to show the unjust that was happening in the US.
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