“My Gandhi”

In this essay, I recount the unusual pathway that led me to Gandhi, which began while I was serving in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. I spoke out against the war as an active duty soldier, and through that experience and my participation in the peace community encountered the ubiquitous image and message of Gandhi. I examine the ways in which Gandhi’s nonviolent philosophy and method shaped the beliefs and practices of the U.S. peace and civil rights leaders who most influenced me.

In the last part of the essay I reflect less favorably on Gandhi’s beliefs and practices on matters related to women and sexuality, and how I struggled to reconcile my admiration for his many valuable contributions to the cause of justice with my revulsion at his reactionary views on gender issues.