Rewriting Marginality

Abstract

Focusing on American minority literature, as well as Indian minority literature, how do we understand “marginality,” contextually informed rewriting of marginality, and invaluable contributions of Gandhian hermeneutical challenges? After acknowledging the perspectival nature of rewriting marginality, we examine dynamic open-ended interrelations of literary and other texts, contexts, and interpretations of meaning. We then formulate key Gandhian challenges and contributions in rewriting marginality in both hegemonic and subaltern marginalized contexts. Using major values, concepts, and principles from Gandhi’s philosophy and practice, we analyze how a Gandhian approach to minority literature and rewriting marginality privileges the perspectives of the marginalized oppressed and downtrodden. Most significantly, we analyze how Gandhi’s insightful approach to violence and nonviolence, means-ends relations, and relative-absolute relations of truth and reality is invaluable for challenging us to approach minority literature, multiculturalism, inclusive interrelated pluralism, and rewriting and transforming marginality in way of greatest contemporary significance.