Myths and heroes : Gandhi and Mrtin Luther King

Myths and Heroes

Myths originally aimed at explaining the origins of humanity. They deliver a universal message about the human condition. They contribute to build nations and define collective identities. Myths are stories that are based on tradition and involve heroes who are regarded as models. A hero is distinguished by exceptional courage and is idealized for possessing superior qualities in any field.

Let's consider Gandhi and Martin Luther King. We may wonder what impact and influence they had in the history of our world.

     First of all, let's talk about Gandhi. Born in 1869 he was a lawyer in London. He fought for the rights of Indians in South Africa. He also campaigned tirelessly to set India free from British by organized boycotts and protest marches. But Gandhi was assassinated by a Hindu fanatic in 1948.

So, let's consider the trailer of movie about Gandhi's life called Gandhi. This trailer gave a non-violent image of Gandhi. Indeed, whatever the price, he would never use violence to achieve its goal. Einstein shows a huge respect and admiration for Gandhi by saying that “Generations to come will scarce believe that such a one as this ever in flesh and bood, walked upon this earth”.

Indeed, he had to overcome a lot of hardships to be heard. A particular moment is shocking in a scene where hundreds of people are killed, trapped in a close courtyard without any possibility of defending their selves or of escaping.  

      Then, let's talk about an extract from a biography of Gandhi. This text illustrates the numerous steps in Gandhi's fight against injustice. Indeed, he's will became stronger and stronger after each events. It started with his refusal to move from the first class on the train in the direction of the South Africa where Gandhi have to defend a rich merchant. Gandhi was threw out off the first class because of his skin color, and only white people can take the first class. Then, it wenton with the telegrams of protest he sent. After that he continued with the gathering of the local Indians to a meeting where he delivered his first public speech and finally when he decided to stay in South Africa to start a crusade for civil rights. The author wants to prove that Gandhi's decision to become a leader and fight for civil rights of the Indian people was not premeditated. He had no idea that his journey to South Africa would transformed his life and lead to the liberation of his people. He didn't have the slightest idea that one day he would become a hero.

Now, let’s see the life of another hero who have been largely influenced by Gandhi’s non-violent means. So let's consider an extract of the famous Martin Luther King's speech which is: I Have a Dream.

In this speech, Martin Luther King express his desire to be not judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character. He uses a fundamental value which is that all men are created equal. Martin Luther King uses different techniques to arouse his listener's enthusiasm. For instance, he uses the repetition of few words like “I have a dream” or “one day” like in a chorus in a song in order to make people remember of his speech  with great conviction and a lot of emotion. So Martin Luther King contributed with his speech to broaden horizons of many people.

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