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Now let us turn our attention to another and entirely unrepresented community - the Indian. He is in striking contrast with the native. While the native has been of little benefit to the State, it owes its prosperity largely to the Indians. While native loafers abound on every side, that species of humanity is almost unknown among Indians here.

Mahatma Gandhi#200

WorkColonialismCommunityImmigrationRace

About this quote

What does it mean?
Gandhi contrasts the Indian community with the native population, claiming Indians are more beneficial to the state.
In plain terms
Indians were seen as more useful than the native population.
What can you take from it?
Recognize perceived contributions of immigrant communities.

Where it applies

  • immigration debate
  • colonial history
  • race relations

Putting it to work

  • analyze community impact
  • study colonial contexts
  • recognize bias

Questions to consider

  • How do we value different groups?
  • What biases exist in community assessments?

Another view

This view reflects colonial-era racial biases and generalizations.

More from Mahatma Gandhi

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  3. Non-violence is not a garment to be put on and off at will. Its seat is in the heart, and it must be an inseparable part of our very being.

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