Symbols of Peace: Martin Luther King Jr. and Mohandas

The issue of racism and oppression of one group of people by another or by its leader continues to be a concern around the world. Take for instance the latest events that occurred in Libya, Syria and other countries. For the most part, the oppressed who wanted to free themselves from the rule of a non-fit leader have backlashed with violent protests that have cost thousands of people their lives and have left their homelands in devastation. These political and social injustices affect people worldwide and each group reacts differently to inequalities they may experience. Some react with violence because that is all they know and others take the route of non-violence to make the same point or statement to the opposing side without causing havoc and violence. Two men, both seen as symbols of peace and harmony spent a great part of their lives advocating non-violence and peaceful protests during times of oppression and inequality. The commitment they made to their beliefs was to prove that the oppressed have the ability to change laws and make people realize inequalities. Martin Luther King Jr. and Mohandas Gandhi’s approach to resolve struggles of inequalities and oppression have changed the way people think through peace, non-violence and peaceful protests. Mohandas Gandhi, born in Western India on October 2nd, 1869, is often seen in images wearing a simple loin cloth and sandals and is well-known and accepted worldwide as the symbol for peace and solidarity. He is the man that became the character behind the teachings and advocate for non-violence or “satyagraha” (Washbrook, 1995). In the earlier years of his life, Mohandas Gandhi was known to be an obedient, shy and a soft-spoken child. At the tender age of 13, he was married to Kasurba, also his age through an arranged marriage. Five years later he