Week 5: Comparisons

                                          

The Apartheid system in South Africa and slavery in the United States were both institutions that systematically dehumanized and oppressed the non-White populations in the two countries. While Blacks and Coloreds made up the vast majority of the population in South Africa, they were not given the power to voice themselves. Like in America, they were denied suffrage and having no vote meant they had no representation. While they often protested using non-violent means, they were met with violent opposition from whites. Both MLK and Mandela were jailed, although Mandela was jailed for much longer.

The population of the oppressed in both countries were divided on how to achieve equality. While MLK preached non-violence, Malcolm X used violent measures. Mandela began preaching non-violence but later felt violence could be used as a last resort. These institutions of oppression also created hardship and tension among families as spouses differed in their reactions to the situation. Noticeably, at the time of their demise, the leaders of the southern states and the leaders of South Africa largely resisted the end of segregation. It was only because of the pressure of outside actors that these systems began to disintegrate. Also once these wrongs were corrected by law, de facto segregation and discrimination still occurred.

I specifically felt angry when I saw unjust actions. In Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom, there was a scene in which a Black man's murder at the hands of the police was not investigated despite proof that a wrongdoing had occurred. Likewise, when the Selma marchers were attacked for their freedom of expression, I was furious. I didn't understand why LBJ waited to sign the anti-segregation laws. It was shocking that people could talk about justice and freedom but then turn a blind eye to people who were struggling to realize those ideals.

I think having this knowledge might prepare me to better understand the relations between the races in South Africa. Knowing the lengthy history of oppression will help me better empathize and understand those whose actions and thoughts might have conflicted with mine. In order to understand a people you have to know about them and I feel like watching these movies I experienced a taste of the emotions that South Africans have felt. After watching these movies, I definitely feel more empathy towards the oppressed and I feel like honing in on a specific story helped with that (rather than being overwhelmed by faceless facts and figures).

Week 4: Leadership

Nelson Mandela and Martin Luther King Jr. were both leaders in championing the civil rights of oppressed blacks in South Africa and the United States, respectively. In their youth, both attended religious schools and after protesting both were thrown into prison for their rebellion. Later, they were both awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. While MLK fought against a white majority, Mandela faced a white minority, although they were equally as powerful and discriminatory. Both promoted passive protest rather than violence. However, Mandela later supported a violent movement because he saw it as a last resort to gaining civil rights. And although Mandela lived to see and govern a nation that was post-Apartheid, MLK was murdered very much in the midst of the American civil rights movement.

"I refuse to accept the view that mankind is so tragically bound to the starless midnight of racism and war that the bright daybreak of peace and brotherhood can never become a reality...I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word." -MLK

The quote above encapsulates the vision of both leaders. The fight for civil rights was not easy. It took decades of protest and imprisonment for their vision to come to fruition, but both men never stopped fighting for a day were people of all colors would be regarded as equals. Basing their movements on human dignity and equality, they led their nations to a brighter future.

Week 3: History

Based off the weekly readings, South Africa seems like a very diverse country, but also a country filled with ethnic and cultural tension. Until recently, whites were deemed as superior to black Africans and promoted the policy of Apartheid. The country continues to struggle with its leadership; the current leader is seen as corrupt and uneducated. The effects of the debilitating policies of the past continue to be present. 

Something that surprised me was the past tensions between the British settlers and the Dutch Boers. Apartheid was based on white vs. black policies, but even within the white South African community, tensions between whites existed, I did not know that the Boers had tried to create their own state separate from that of the British Cape Colony.

A strength I see is South Africa's multicultural background and history. Being composed of so many nationalities, it makes it more difficult for one group to dominate without reaction from other groups. However, a challenge is the lack of effective leadership; the current leader seems ineffective yet likely to win the upcoming elections.

I was fascinated by South Africa's international relations policy. Both with China and Sudan, the country is trying to increase global cooperation and trade. This could be beneficial for the country, however, both these trading partners are infamous for their autocratic and oftentimes corrupt governments.

A question I have for Mr. Gilmour is if he thinks it would be likely for South Africans to vote for a white president given the mistreatment seen as a result of previous white leaders.