Class vs. Caste: A Comparative Analysis

2. 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”).

3. 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?

4. 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

5. 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)

6. 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)

7. 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)

8. 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)

9. 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).