preview

Mandela: A Life Devoted to Change and Freedom

Best Essays

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 inform 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 may

Get Access