1/20/14
"After Mandela"
Patricia Smith
The article After Mandela by Patricia Smith shows us how after the death of Nelson Mandela, South Africa hasn't been able continue to grow up to the ideals and expectations he expected. "As its continents largest economy and 15th largest stock exchange in the world, it has an abundance of natural resources...And a modern infrastructure in much of the country," (After Mandela) It hasn't been able to close the gap between blacks and whites. Presidents have also not been able to live up to Mandela, President Thabo Mbeki refused to acknowledge that HIV causes AIDS when almost 1/5 of all adults have HIV, and current president Jacob Zuma is being investigated for corruption and had been accuse of rape. "In all of the great liberation movements, there is the prolem of producing great leaders to take over," Says William Gumede of Oxford University. "But in this case, there really has been a failure to pass the torch."
I feel like the author wants me to feel a little disappointed, but mostly optimistic. It's really hard live up to very high expectations, especially if the previous goal of equality was finally reached after years of suffering. One would have to try to get out of the predecessors shadow. I feel like in order for a relatively new nation to grow strong, it needs qualified leaders. If the current leaders are being accused of really petty crimes, how could the nation ever succeed? Simple it won't, and it may never will. South Africa has been doing very well, especially since it has great economical potential. I think this is what the author wants us to know.
I have learned from this article that great things only happen when great leaders are involved, only than can a group o people want to change, because they have a leader to lead them. It reminds me of this sermon I heard in church, how Jesus changed the world because he was a great leader, and his apostles were able to spread his word. This text has strongly refuted this belief to myself, and to the world.
I feel like if Mandela were alive and if his goal was complete, he would try to change the immigration laws of the US, or have a say in it. Mostly because, well I believe Hispanics and blacks are extremely similar, we are both trying to change our way of life for the better in a world that places extreme limits on us, and that doesn't see us as equals. I would feel like Mandela would strongly try to push the reform in the correct direction.
I think you had some very interesting points in your reading response. But I think if Mandela were alive he would still be focusing on the same issues he was when he was alive. Even though that is what I think, your ideas of what he would work for were very interesting.
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