--- "Frederick \"FN\" Noronha" wrote: > > Mahatma Gandhi tends to be over-rated in the West. > Though this is off-topic, do you believe it's > because of the media blitz that he's benefitted > from globally in the second half of the 20th > century? FN > PS: Not many realise that while Gandhi had strong > views *against* the untouchability involving the > lowest-of-the-low in the Indian caste hierarchy (or > outside of it), he didn't have any problem with the > caste system itself. > Mario responds: > Fred, You start by creating a questionable premise out of thin air that MG is "over-rated in the West", then blythely continue on based on that premise. I do not accept your basic premise. > MG has many admirers and a few detractors in the west on the same basis that he has many admirers and a few detractors everywhere else, including India. On balance, he fares quite well in the rear-view mirror of history, in my never humble opinion. > I also don't recognize your other premise that he "didn't have any problem with the caste system itself". How did you come up with this notion in the context of MG's oft-repeated belief that all men were created equal, which was an unpopular belief at the time? > My scorecard gives MG immense credit for his staunch opposition to untouchability, which is the worst manifestation of the caste system. Then add to that his manifest belief that all men are created equal which got him killed by a Hindu fanatic, his personal kindness towards all and fearlessness in facing up to and eventually shaming the world's only superpower at the time to leave it's most valuable economic asset and go home. Previous breaks from colonialism were all based on armed resistance and open warfare. > How can anyone "over-rate" such an exemplary life? >
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