Unveiling the Controversial Side of Gandhi
Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi’s Racist Past
Widely known as a proponent of peace and equality, Gandhi’s legacy is strongly defined by his effort to attain India’s freedom through non-violence. However, a little-known fact about this Indian icon is his allegedly racist past. Before emerging as India’s “Father of the Nation”, he lived in South Africa, where he allegedly professed his belief in the Aryan brotherhood. Reports suggest that he had disparaging views towards the Black and native communities and even supported the institution of apartheid.
Gandhi’s Questionable Views on Sexuality
Gandhi’s sexuality has also been a topic of much controversy. The pacifist preached about sexual abstinence and even went through self-imposed celibacy. Some historical records show he used to sleep beside naked young women to test his celibacy. These unconventional practices have sparked debates, with critics arguing against the romanticised view of his image.
Unravelling the Complicated History of Mother Teresa
Mother Teresa’s Controversial Methods
Another global icon whose hidden truths are often ignored is Mother Teresa. While universally hailed as a saint, her methods in serving the poor and sick have been highly debated. Some critics argue that the hospices run by her were poorly maintained, with inadequate provisions for medical care, hygiene, and pain management.
The Sainthood of Mother Teresa
Furthermore, the process through which she was fast-tracked to sainthood has also come under scrutiny. There were allegations of a lack of thorough examination of miracles attributed to her, and potential negative evidence was reportedly not adequately considered, further muddying the revered image of this Nobel laureate.
Discovering the Other Side of Martin Luther King Jr.
MLK’s Plagiarism Accusations
Civil rights pioneer Martin Luther King Jr. is respected worldwide for his campaign against racial inequality. However, his academic integrity has been questionable. King was accused of plagiarising parts of his Ph.D. thesis at Boston University. A panel of scholars at the university concluded that King had plagiarized portions of his doctoral dissertation but qualified it by stating that the dissertation still “makes an intelligent contribution to scholarship.”
MLK’s Extramarital Affairs
King had also been subject to criticisms about his personal life, most notably frequent accusations of extramarital affairs. While these affairs were often dismissed as attempts by the FBI to discredit King, recent biographies and reports suggest that there might have been some truth to them.
Decoding Christopher Columbus’s Hidden Past
Columbus’s Violent History
Popular opinions of Christopher Columbus, the Italian explorer remembered for discovering America, have gradually changed over time. While Columbus is still hailed for his seafaring skills, his cruel treatment towards indigenous people and his role in initiating the transatlantic slave trade have tainted his legacy.
Destruction of Indigenous Communities
Evidence suggests that Columbus and his men enslaved many native inhabitants of the West Indies and subjected them to extreme violence and brutality. The tragic consequence of this violent behaviour was the near extermination of the native Taino population within a few decades of Columbus’s arrival.
Conclusion
While it is essential to remember and respect the positive impact these historical figures had on human history, it is equally crucial to bring their lesser-known and controversial aspects into the public discourse. Doing so provides a more holistic view of these influential figures and enables us to learn from their mistakes.