Mandela A Life Devoted to Change and Freedom - 2008 Words

In order to achieve freedom, equality, and social justice, how much is a person willing to sacrifice? During the early 1900s, Britain colonized four colonies in Africa. Through a slow process between 1902 and 1910, the four colonies became a unified union. By May 1910, Britain passed the South Africa Act and the four colonies became one independent colony. It was formally named the Union of South Africa. While white South Africans rejoiced, black South Africans did not see hope in their future. Although black South Africans made up two-thirds of the population, the South African Parliament was controlled by extremist Afrikaners – people who favored white supremacy. Race and skin color determined one’s fate and destiny. White people were†¦show more content†¦However, they were wrong. As Mandela stated in his speech, he fought against white domination, but also against black domination. He does not believe in one race dominating another race. Mandela wanted to in form all white South Africans that they should not be afraid of reformation, because reformation does not equal to black domination. Giving blacks the opportunity to vote does not mean limiting the rights of whites, but giving equal rights to blacks. Before he ended his 176 minute long speech, through the addition of pathos and Mandela’s tone of voice, the audience could sense Mandela’s superb determination in ending apartheid, ending racial injustice, and uniting the country as a whole. Speaking loud and clear, Mandela states: I have cherished the ideal of a democratic and free society in which all persons will live together in harmony and with equal opportunities. It is an ideal for which I hope to live for and to see realized. But, My Lord, if it needs be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die for. (147) Mandela’s emotional ending of the speech became a release for him. After years of suffering, Mandela wants to inform his audience that he is not afraid of death. If necessary, he is willing to die for a democratic and free society. His great determination draws his audience and deeply touches all citizens of South Africa. Mandela’s life is like a roller coaster ride – many ups and downs. The many events that occurred during his lifetime mayShow MoreRelatedNelson Mandela And His Success1408 Words   |  6 PagesNelson Mandela and His Success Introduction Nelson Mandela, the pursuit of freedom let him go out of the tribal sheikhs and take part in the movement for the emancipation of the underground. He had spent much time in the prison of a quarry, finally entered the presidential palace of the richest country in Africa. Nelson Mandela has strong character and he venerated national heroes. He is the eldest son in the family and is designated as the emirate. 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Nelson Mandela once said â€Å"No one is born hating another person because of the color of his skin, or his background, or his religion. People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to lo ve, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite.† Mandela professes that humans are not born to hate someone of a different color or to treat them differently. TheyRead MoreMahatma Gandhi Research Paper1564 Words   |  7 PagesMahatma Gandhi Aroused by the massacre of Amritsar in 1919, Gandhi devoted his life to gaining India’s independence from Great Britain. As the dominant figure used his persuasive philosophy of non-violent confrontation, he inspired political activists with many persuasions throughout the world (Andrews 23). Not only was Mahatma Gandhi a great peacemaker, but also his work to achieve freedom and equality for all people was greatly acknowledged. Gandhi’s unconventional style of leadership gained