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).