Throughout history, advocates for equality sought fairness for all races and genders. Henry David Thoreau was an extremely influential transcendentalist. His works heavily impact Gandhi’s works, along with other individuals who would have a lasting impact on history. Sojourner Truth, a black abolitionist, spoke out about racial and gender inequality with strong passion, becoming one of the most effective female orators of her time. Ronald Reagan also supported and encouraged freedom for all people. Several influential individuals have used their works of literature to address the problem of inequality prevalent during their lifetime. In the literary works of significant historical figures such as Sojourner Truth, Ronald Reagan and among others,…show more content… His ideas went on to influence later generations. Thoreau, a transcendentalist, revolted against the government due to the lack of equality present in the United States. Throughout his life, inequality was a major issue, especially regarding slavery and civil rights. He was troubled by the laws that existed against interracial marriages and the segregation of schools and transportation. Thoreau’s distress encouraged him to refuse to pay his taxes and to formulate “Civil Disobedience”. He intended to promote laws that did not segregate people based on sex . In Civil Disobedience, Thoreau acknowledges the fact that no one is being proactive to solve the issues in society. He states, “There are thousands opposed to slavery...who yet in effect do nothing to put an end to them” (Saxby). Citizens were well aware of the plight among the nation, however, majority lacked in effort to change something. “...but a hundred thousand merchants and farmers here, who are more interested in commerce and agriculture than they are in humanity,” Thoreau claimed (Saxby). Thoreau reasoned that this is a cause for the lack of revision. People are too avaricious and self-centered, especially regarding their economic stability, to take action. People who are not directly affected by the problems are doing nothing to put an end to them. He advocated that everyone, men and women, should act on what they believe in. Despite…show more content… This was the first interracial collegiate debate in the United State’s history. During the debate, Wiley College referenced both Thoreau and Gandhi. Being an African American college debating a white college, Wiley College appeared to be at a disadvantage. The debate topic surrounded civil disobedience, the refusal to obey a law. James Farmer Jr. from Wiley College referenced Gandhi’s protest to British rule in stating that, “Three hundred seventy-nine died; men, women, children, shot down in cold blood.”(The Great Debaters). James Farmer, Jr. did not specifically reference men but also women and children, as equals. Samantha Booke, representing Wiley College, referenced Henry David Thoreau during her debate. Samantha Booke was an African American women debater, which at the time was very uncommon. However, in the movie, she is portrayed just as strong and sophisticated as the men she competed with. Later in life, going against odds once again, she became a
