Mahatma Gandhi Case Study

THAT MAN IS UNCONSTITUTIONAL! You always hear this statement or something to this effect, but do you truly know what it means? One might ask what is being unconstitutional? To be unconstitutional you have to be unauthorized by or inconsistent with the constitution; not in accordance with a political constitution or procedural rules of a country. An individual who displays civil disobedience is often recognized as unconstitutional. Civil disobedience is the refusal to comply or obey certain laws; mainly governmental policies. It is usually associated with nonviolent techniques such as boycotting or political protest. As shown these two words go hand in hand, in the passages Gandhi does not refer to one without mentioning the other. Correlation of the two gives the reader a better understanding.

"I have been told that non-co-operation is unconstitutional. On the contrary...it is the right of every human being and it is perfectly constitutional." (Gandhi, pg. 64) I agree, we as humans are promised inalienable rights; these rights are unable to be taken away by anybody. It is our decision whether to adhere to a government that is not just, however how you go about not complying is based on your personal beliefs. I am sure that many people would have wanted to fight violence with violence. It takes a strong man to take the opposite route, combating brutality with peacefulness. Gandhi believed that nonviolence approach was the sure and right way to achieve the goal of freedom. "I do not claim constitutionality for a rebellion successful or otherwise so long as the rebellion means in the ordinary sense of the term what it does mean, namely, wresting justice by violent means." (Gandhi, pg. 65) This is truly amazing! You always hear that expression "by any means necessary" , and most people have this mentality, but not Gandhi. This man stated that he would not even accept victory if it came through violent means, such as a rebellion. Mahatma Gandhi was very committed and dedicated to his country, India. Not only as a resident but he acted as somebody who gave birth to the nation. His relationship with India is that of a relationship between a mother and her infant. A mother would not want to see her baby hurt or being neglected; therefore she would do anything and everything in her power, even going as far as sacrificing herself to correct or prevent this. I sense this feeling he probably had in him as I read these passages, I have know doubt in my mind that he would have died for his country if it meant India's release from the British. "....the true thing for any human being on earth is not justice based on violence but justice based on sacrifice of self..." (Gandhi, pg. 65).

Gandhi held an absolutist view on life. Meaning that he believed some moral declarations are true; there are no exceptions. He did not at all have a egotistic view. Believing in egoism means that you believe that the only thing that morally good is advocating your own personal well-being. An example of Absolutism is given as Gandhi explains about the violent methods of his friend Shaukat Ali. Even though Ali wanted to use violence, he adopted the nonviolence belief. Gandhi believed that true justice could not be attained through violent acts. "I believe that a man is the strongest for daring to die unarmed with his breast bare before the enemy." Our very own 44th president of United States Barack Obama has been criticized of having Absolutist views. When he said that muslims had the right to build a mosque at ground zero,