Modern Vespa

R.I.P. Mandela

That song did a lot; the first time I heard it was the first time I ever heard of Nelson Mandela and his story.

NPR (most sources from the BBC) has been and still is broadcasting in depth interviews and histories about South Africa and Mr. Mandela.

Black & White - the same colour
RIP NM

Wasn't only blacks it was quite a few Indians (from India) that were treated the same way, also. Other non white races as well. Amazing how 10% of the population (whites) were able to rule 90% of the people. Since there were tribes, they pitted tribes against one another. Lessons to be learned from what he was able to do. Hope people don't forget. edited for typos

"Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world."- Nelson Mandela

One of the GREATEST men to ever grace this planet with his presence. We can only hope that the WORLD has learned from him and endeavors to fulfill his dreams.

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I may be wrong and the times and fortunes of African Americans have certainly changed since then. However, Miriam Makeba, the famous South African singer, once said in an interview that the racism in South Africa was more fair and easier to bear, because the Apartheid system made it tangible and plain enough for everyone to see. At least you knew how you were supposed to behave and what to avoid. In the US, the racism was more subtle and undercover, most of the time. Whispers and glares and refusals to serve here and there. Poorly disguised innuendoes in everyday life. It's harder to fight and take measures against something hanging in the air.

Mandela was so amazing. He came out of nearly 30 years in prison(and from what I hear, not an easy prison) and he did not seem to be bitter. He just wanted to continue his cause, which he did til the day he died. He is as close to a saint(and realize as I am Jewish I do not really believe in saints) as can be possible in my opinion. This does not need to be political, just in honor of a great individual. This world will be less without him.


Larry

Where is Jess?
"- Racism, hate speech, politics, religion and personal attacks are prohibited."

It is easy to say what you don't like.

But to imagine and enunciate a rational vision for a positive alternative to what you don't like; an alternative that will work for most people (nothing works for everyone), is hard. Really hard.

IMHO his legacy is having been able to state clearly what he was for rather than simply saying what he was against.

He set the bar high. But if he reached it... so can others.

Parliament Square, London 07/12/13

If you think this thread isn't being watched closely, you are sadly mistaken.

It's a significant historic event. As long as angry "soapboxes" and diatribes are not the major theme, it will hopefully run its course.

I wouldn't want to say that Nelson Mandela was the Greatest South African of all time but...

He was definitely in the Top 1..