Introducing the necessity of voicing ideas, Gandhi states through the editor “one of the objects of a newspaper is to understand the popular feeling and to give expression to it; another is to arouse among the people certain desirable sentiments; and the third is fearlessly to expose popular defects” (13). I thought this statement was especially significant because – from the early start of the first chapter – Gandhi decides to insert the importance of not only desired free speech, but also the effect that such ideal is suppose to have on public opinion. The function of a newspaper is to “fearlessly” inform, despite the repercussions. The fact that Gandhi’s Hind Swaraj was banned by the British reflects the negative externalities of colonialism and the subjugation of political thought.
Mirroring the ease in which the public should accept free thought, the format of the piece is structured into an easy-to-read dialogue, urging the concrete reader to agree with the urgency of action. Because the text flows from the reader’s thoughts to the editor’s, the ideas presented flow from a continuous train of thought to an elaborated constructive piece on politics. Its relevance today urges the reader to acknowledge that “the knowledge that there is unrest will, it is highly probable, enable [the public] to outgrow it” (24). With unrest and discontent comes that urgent need to end the uncomfortable state of an oppressive government.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
1 comment:
i always think this is kind of idealistic of gandhi: "the knowledge of unrest" will allow it to pass. when does simply knowing something (a feeling, a mood, a sentiment, a desire) allow us to forget it?
Post a Comment