Nelson Mandelas Fight for Freedom - 1646 Words

Imagine yourself growing up in a country where you might get thrown in jail for drinking from the wrong water fountain; where just because of your skin color, you get paid less money than your neighbor who has the same job; where you can’t even walk on the same sidewalk just because of the pigment in your skin. For Nelson Mandela, this situation was a reality. This style of living began in 1948 and, thanks to Mandela, ended in 1994. Problems began when the National Party---dominated by Afrikaans-speaking descendants of the Dutch settlers—came to power in South Africa. Segregation and mistreatment of the less superior—non-whites--became a government policy called â€Å"apartheid,† which means â€Å"apartness† in the Afrikaans language. Nelson Mandela†¦show more content†¦He was disguised as a white friend’s chauffer. At this point in time, the government was arresting all black leaders that took part in the Anti- Apartheid movement. S o, in an attempt to avoid being arrested, Mandela was forced to live apart from his family. He moved from place to place to avoid being detected by government informers and spies. Usually during important events, like rallies, he would often disguise himself as a chauffer or a gardener. Mandela was nicknamed, â€Å"the Black Pimpernel,† because he was so he was so successful at dodging the police. However, he was not successful enough. After being arrested, Mandela was charged with inciting strikes and illegally leaving the country. He had often traveled to countries in North and West Africa to gain support. He also traveled to England where he met politicians. Throughout his trial—the Rivonia Trial---Mandela carried out his own defense. In the end, Mandela was found guilty and sentenced to prison at Robben Island for five years. This jail was bleak, unwelcoming, and depressing. It is about 7.5 miles off the coast of Cape Town. Robben Island was one of the harshes t prisons in South Africa. The island was bitterly cold in the winter and scorching hot in the summer. Prisoners could only wear short trousers with no shoes. The imprisoned were to sleep on mats that lay out on their cell floor. Mandela’s cell was less than thirty-two square feet. He was confined to it for sixteen hoursShow MoreRelatedNelson Mandela1187 Words   |  5 Pagesconcept with great cultural significance to a wide cultural group (Wikipedia). Abraham Lincoln and George Washington are examples of individuals who are important cultural icons to many Americans. Another person who is considered a cultural icon is Nelson Mandela; an individual who took a stand against apartheid in South Africa and established great strides toward racial equality in that part of the world. Mandela is considered as cultural icon because he achieved widespread recognition for his accomplishmentsRead MoreAfrican National Congress Youth League1167 Words   |  5 Pagesprison, the Anti-Ap artheid Movement (AAM) and the United Democratic Front(UDF) continued the fight against apartheid and a new democratic system. Boehmer’s Analysis: As a distant royal and well educated â€Å"black Englishman† Mandela was not the constant subject of racist colonization during his adolescence. After arriving in Johannesburg and witnessing the daily dehumanization of black Africans, it became Mandela’s mission to correct the injustice. Association with the ANC and ANCYL provided the platformRead MoreComparing Martin Luther King and Nelson Mandela1041 Words   |  5 PagesActions, beliefs, and patience are characteristics that are comparable in both the lives of Martin Luther King and Nelson Mandela. I. Martin Luther King Jr. and Nelson Mandela performed similar actions in their lives. A. In 1955, Martin Luther King, Jr., fought for the civil rights of the black population in America. B. Similarly, in South Africa, Nelson Mandela fought for the freedom of blacks from apartheid. II. Another similarity between King and Mandela is that they had the same beliefs. ARead MoreNelson Mandel A True Inspiration For All Of Humanity1748 Words   |  7 PagesNelson Mandela: From Vision to Transformation A true inspiration for all of humanity, Nelson Mandela broke down barriers of social injustice, committing his life to the vision of a free and democratic society. His dedication and inspiration to those considered underprivileged or subjugated within their own governmental or political constraints serve as testaments to the power of leading with compassion and humility. Through his leadership and years of self-sacrifice, Nelson Mandela became SouthRead MoreNelson Mandela949 Words   |  4 PagesNelson Mandela The life story of Nelson Mandela has long become a legend, a story that transcends race, borders, culture, or language. He is one of the greatest leaders to ever step foot on this Earth. He was willing to give up his own personal freedoms for the good of his people. Still, his decisions at major points in his lifetime hold lessons for individuals who are inspired of becoming good leaders. Many leaders are inspired by the actions and decision-makings abilities of Mandela. He kept theRead MoreThe Legacy of Nelson Mandela1215 Words   |  5 Pagessystem of apartheid (â€Å"In Nelson Mandela’s own words†). Nelson Mandela was a moral compass symbolizing the struggle against racial oppression. Nelson Mandela emerged from prison after twenty-seven years to lead his country to justice. For twenty-seven years he sat in a cell because he believed in a country without apartheid, a country with freedom and human rights. He fought for a country where all people were equal, treated with respect and given equal opportunity. Nelson Mandela looms large in theRead MoreThe Legacy Of A New Democratic South Africa948 Words   |  4 PagesTrailblazers and change agents are men and women who dared the odds and sacrificed their freedom for the gain of others. Great leaders live among the masses; the quality of their service, humility, dedication, and selflessness distinguishes them from the populace. These great leaders are munificent men and women who are independent in their thinking. One such man, Nelson Mandela, delivered â€Å"Acceptance and Nobel Lecture† in 1993 for his contributions to the â€Å"peaceful termination of the apartheid ruleRead MoreNelson 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. But he said he would never rule an oppressedRead MoreNelson Mandela Hero1366 Words   |  6 Pages Many people have heard of Nelson Mandela, but what makes him such an important figure? How has he influenced South Africa and the world? Nelson Mandela’s history can clearly tell the tale of heroism. South Africa suffered under apartheid from 1948 until 1994 where Nelson Mandela was elected the first black president of South Africa. For 46 years, laws of racial discrimination and oppression flooded the land, and police brutality and tensions between the people increased, but i t all came to an endRead Morenelson mandela is my hero1351 Words   |  6 PagesNelson Mandela Nelson Mandela, a true hero in this controversial world or just another politician? Was his 27 years of imprisonment for standing up against his nations government, which did not support human rights, equality and world poverty, something the country of Africa should be proud about? As disappointing as it might seem, the answer is a straight and simple, no. Nelson Mandela, my hero, the man that everyone knows, that conquered black domination in Africa, that healed his countries