social activism

Social Theory
Group Project: Activism


While researching this topic, I wanted to include at least one theory as how activism should be conducted as well as the concepts underlying activism itself. With this in mind, I would like to start with Mohandas K. Gandhi.

In India’s struggle for home rule, Gandhi utilized the concept of Satyagraha (ST p. 261). This means to use truth and love to fight violence, and still not be passive. Throughout the film Gandhi, one sees how he would peacefully, yet forcefully not submit to unjust laws and decrees from the British government. According to the textbook, Gandhi differentiated between hisma and ahisma. Gandhi states that hisma is the natural outward expression of violence (ST p.262). Society and our very existence can only function on this expression. Ahisma is the spiritual choice to use self restrain and compassion to limit this violence (ST p.262). Gandhi believed that ahisma combined with Satyagraha is the only way to c...