Class vs. Caste:Alike: BOTH are systems of social hierarchy

Different: - Class is based on economics, caste is based

on religion (but affects economics).- There is the possibility of upward movement

with classes (class mobility), although this may take multiple generations to occur.- There is NO social mobility in a caste system

(except through the idea of reincarnation – rebirth in the “next life”, at a higher or lower status, based on faithful obedience and

living a “righteous life”).

Gandhi – Film Reflections & Analysis:1) HOW does Gandhi attempt to eliminate British

imperialism in India (generally AND specifically)?

2) WHY is Gandhi ultimately successful in achieving Indian independence?

3) WHY do you think Gandhi is able to gain so many supporters to his cause?

4) WHAT challenges does he face in pursuing his goals?

Gandhi – Film Reflections & Analysis:1) HOW does Gandhi attempt to eliminate British

imperialism in India (generally AND specifically)?

Generally:• Non-violent, non-cooperation• Civil disobedience (duty to break bad laws)• Pacifism

Gandhi – Film Reflections & Analysis:1) HOW does Gandhi attempt to eliminate British

imperialism in India (generally & specifically)?

Specifically:• Publishing (i.e. newspapers – his own, others)• Public Marches, Protests, Demonstrations• Promoting unity among the Indian population

(to negate British “divide & conquer” strategies)• Strikes• Boycotts• Incarceration (individual, collective)• Fasting• Judicial process (where possible)

Gandhi – Film Reflections & Analysis:2) WHY do you think Gandhi’s strategies and

tactics are ultimately successful in achieving Indian independence?

• He has NUMBERS: many determined followers supporting him in common cause

• When appeals to the British for human dignity fail, he makes it economically suicidal to keep India in their empire (via strikes & boycotts)

• Gets his message out consistently & repeatedly via the press; exposes British depravity & brutality

• Practice! (South Africa to India)• Patience• Stubborness, Tenacity• Intelligent, educated (has a law degree)

Gandhi – Film Reflections & Analysis:3) WHY do you think Gandhi is able to gain so

many supporters to his cause?• Charismatic leadership• Able to relate to the broadest, poorest members

of the public (despite his own privileged class AND caste status), treating all with equal human dignity, giving respect to get respect.

• Practices what he preaches (Talks talk, walks walk!)

• Shared goals with the population• Early successes attract more followers

(bandwagon)

Gandhi – Film Reflections & Analysis:4) WHAT challenges does Gandhi face in pursuing

his goals?• Controlling the human instinct to resist violence

with violence (esp. in large crowds); Gandhi wants neither fight nor flight against military superiority!

• Changing attitudes between religions (getting Hindus and Muslims to work together)

• Changing attitudes within religion (getting Hindus to renounce the caste system, esp. “untouchability”, so that Hindus work together).

• Changing attitudes among the British (fighting greed, racism, jingoism)

• Patience with short-term failure (personally and collectively)

Ultimately, British imperialism in India ends in 1947 (32 years after Gandhi returns there from South Africa). However…- The Indian colony is partitioned into TWO

sovereign nations: India (majority Hindu) and Pakistan (majority Muslim).

- This partition (which Gandhi opposed) included massive migration of Hindus and Muslims, during which up to 1 million died in violent clashes

between the two groups.- Gandhi is assassinated by a Hindu extremist in 1948

(fundamentalist Hindu groups opposed Gandhi’s reconciliation with Muslims and his call for

abolishing the caste system). - India and Pakistan remain intense rivals to this day

(and both are now armed with nuclear weapons).