Comparing Historical Accounts

            The 1960s was marked by fervent movements promoting civil disobedience and nonviolent protest. Martin Luther King was a prominent leader of the civil rights movement who purported nonviolence. Rosa Parks was another figure who preached and also practiced nonviolent protest against inequality. Gandhi, too, promoted civil disobedience through peaceful methods. These leaders of nonviolent protest permanently changed the world viewed organized resistance and effectively spread the ideals of fighting inequality.

            Martin Luther King, Gandhi, and Rosa Parks all promoted the same ideals, that of nonviolent civil disobedience against social inequalities. Though in different settings, these figures led very similar movements. Gandhi, in India, led a nonviolent battle against the British government, which at the time imposed unequal and irreverent regulations. Likewise, Martin Luther King and Rosa Parks in the United States fought against unequal treatment and segregation of African Americans that were imposed by the whites. In both places, each figure was able to attract national support and raise global attention to his/her causes. Gandhi gained thousands of followers who joined hi fight against the British government. Many joined his fasts, speeches, and marches. Similarly, Martin Luther King and Rosa Parks received immense amounts of support from African Americans and whites. They even established organizations such as NAACP and civil disobedience groups to effectively communicate and publicize their goals. Furthermore, all three figures faced opposition and hatred from many people, and experience difficulty in trying to effectively spread their causes. Martin Luther King was berated by the media and censured by many, for his goals to end segregation and racism angered many Whites. His public appearances were always met by fierce opposition, from law enforcement, civilians, and the press. King was arrested multiple times, which clearly indicated the common sentiment of resistance against his promotion of racial equality and the intermixing of whites and blacks. Rosa Parks also faced considerable amount of opposition, as she was arrested and censured for her refusal to sit in the "blacks only" area in the bus. Gandhi too, had to overcome suppression and opposition from the British government. He, despite violent retaliations from the British, constantly promoted peaceful methods and persistently encouraged his methods. The amount of resistance these figures can be evidenced by the assassinations of Martin Luther King and Gandhi, countless acts of violence from law enforcement, and many other brutal crimes against those who supported the three figures. In spite of such difficulty and conflict, King, Parks, and Gandhi constantly advocated peaceful retaliation and perseverance.

            As similar as they can be, Martin Luther King, Rosa Parks, and Gandhi are different in multiple ways. Gandhi led a fight against British oppression in India. At the time, India, as a colony of Britain, was under heavy British control. Indian culture, including religion and livelihood, were ignored by the British and Indians virtually had no control of their own country. Constant oppression, accompanied by brutal abuse, manipulation of the Indian government, and neglect of Indian culture inflamed many Indians and spread a sentiment of opposition. Many times people attempted to lead rebellions against the British, only to end up dead, imprisoned, or tortured. Gandhi, contrary to previous methods, used nonviolent protest to fight the British. He led marches, fasts, and speeches that were accompanied by thousands of followers. Unlike Gandhi, Martin Luther King and Rosa Parks fought for civil rights and social justice. They aimed to dissolve the deeply entrenched sentiment of racism and segregation against African Americans in the United States and bring about an equal and peaceful society in which all people, regardless of skin color, can live together harmoniously. Further contrast can be seen in the way Gandhi and King viewed nonviolence. Gandhi believed that nonviolence achieves its goals through patience and non-cooperation. He practiced such belief by persistently enduring suppression from the British government, including imprisonment and torture. He also peacefully detached himself from the British rule, refusing to follow laws and regulations opposed by the British government. Martin Luther King believed that it takes creative tension and confrontation to accomplish change. King didn't believe completely in the detached, prolonged ways of promoting nonviolence. He led public marches, speeches, and confrontations with the law, media, and the whites who opposed him. King also did not take part in physical suffering to promote his causes, whereas Gandhi went on hunger strikes to draw global attention. These subtle dissimilarities in no way differentiate the extent to which these leaders impacted the world. Their persistence and patience have permanently changed the global perspective of nonviolent protest and civil disobedience.

            The ideals purported by Martin Luther King, Rosa Parks, and Gandhi permanently changed the way the world viewed protest and organized efforts. Their methods of civil disobedience have paved the way for further improvements with the aid of modern technology such as the television, internet, and cellular devices. Accompanied by these tools, civil disobedience became much more effective as publication, communication, and organization became fast and far-reaching. Thus is why we see the practice of nonviolent civil disobedience so commonly today. The world has realized, from figures such as Martin Luther King, Gandhi, and Rosa Parks, that nonviolence can make a significant difference in a cause. Today we have countless numbers of organizations and laws that protect the practice of organized, nonviolent civil disobedience. This can be seen in many instances, such as the protest in Hong Kong against a nondemocratic government, protest against police brutality across the United States, and protest against laws proscribing same-sex marriage. Thus, people today are more cognizant of the power and capabilities of nonviolent civil disobedience. Leaders such as Martin Luther King, Rosa Parks, and Gandhi truly engraved the ideals of peaceful protest and inspired many to lead their own fights.