“The Indians do not regret that capable natives can exercise the franchise. They would regret if it were otherwise. They, however, assert that they too, if capable, should have the right. You, in your wisdom, would not allow the Indian or the native the precious privilege under any circumstances, because they have a dark skin.”
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Source: Times of Natal (26 October 1894); Gandhi's open letter on the Indian franchise in South Africa.
About this quote
The demand is for a single standard: if capability earns the vote, it should earn it for everyone, and denying it purely by skin color exposes the rule as prejudice rather than principle. Naming that double standard plainly is how unjust laws lose their cover of reasonableness.
When to use it
- A club that admits members by merit can't justify barring one applicant only for their accent or origin.
- A workplace that promotes on skill has no defense for passing over someone because of their race.
- A scholarship advertised for the 'most qualified' is exposed when it quietly rejects qualified girls.