“Why, of all places in Johannesburg, the Indian location should be chosen for dumping down all kaffirs of the town, passes my comprehension. Of course, under my suggestion, the Town Council must withdraw the Kaffirs from the Location. About this mixing of the Kaffirs with the Indians I must confess I feel most strongly. I think it is very unfair to the Indian population, and it is an undue tax on even the proverbial patience of my countrymen.”
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This letter belongs to the documented record of Gandhi's early years in South Africa, where he used a racial slur and argued for keeping Africans and Indians apart — views widely condemned, and ones his later outlook moved beyond. Preserved as history, plainly flagged, not guidance; there is no principle to apply.
When to use it
- A student researching a celebrated scientist reads about their racist writings too, not only the discoveries.
- A family talks openly about an ancestor's harmful choices instead of polishing the story for the grandkids.
- A museum labels a founder's achievements alongside the prejudices he acted on, letting visitors weigh the whole record.