Week 5: Peace & Forgiveness

It was clearly stated in both movies that whatever cause someone is fighting for they have to work together in order to accomplish it.  Both movies detailed how the entire family system is affected and sometimes sacrificed for someone else beliefs.  Society will sabotage and do whatever it takes to break someones spirit.  The new knowledge that I gained is how the struggle for the rights of people would ultimately start with the head.  I gained the understanding of those in power are truly afraid of the majority rule.  It is fear that makes them act the way they do and will destroy whomever to not be afraid.  The movies give details on how the governmental control did not have the priority of the people but because they were looked bad upon from media and by the world.  They made it a point to change their self image.

My reactions to viewing the films make me angry and I know both leaders stood for peace and forgiveness.  But right now I have a right to be angry because those individuals had been completely stripped of all human rights.  Left with nothing, but were demanded to be SATISFIED.  Africans were forced to become salves in America and South Africa was taken over by the minority group who are truly afraid.  Really how can you force someone and take over someones lands.  Then try to make them be satisfied for what you are giving them.  But the natives had it all from the beginning or didn't even ask to come.

Mentally I am prepared to know that because of the color of my skin I have to be always be conscious of what I say, do and how I interact with others.  Having the awareness that it took years of recovery before the United States is were it is today.  Knowing that South Africa just came out of Apartheid there is definitely a lot of work to be done.  For me awareness is the beginning to take the first step to help with change.

Week 4:World Influential Leaders Martin & Nelson

They lived two separate lives but their paths and purposes were so closely related.  Nelson grew up in a well off family that valued education and had a culture of arranged marriages.  King's family valued education as well but the culture of marriage was different and he was able to choose his mate.  Through their lives we see the strive to have equal rights for all and that this could be accomplished through peace!

"There is no passion to be found playing small - in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living."- Nelson Mandela

"The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and conveniences, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy." - Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.  

Both of these quote bring a great point that we must challenge ourselves to go beyond just getting by.  That is not an easy task that everyone can accomplish and you will never make change by just going with the flow of life.  However if you want to really become the true change maker you have to stand up even when it seems to be uncomfortable or controversial.  Because if you choose not to you will look back over your life and all the time that has passed.  Wishing and hoping you could overdo and try it again but it will be too late. 

One powerful statement Dr. Myles Munroe said that I live by daily is that the most tragic thing in life is not death, but life without a purpose.  We must define our purpose here on earth and take each day to strive for it.  No matter how hard or what we may face.  Without purpose who are we really?  Nelson and King clearly defined their purposes starting from an early age.  They went through persecution, being locked up, lives threaten and people who did not believe in them.  That did not stop them because they knew if they did give up on their passions and visions it would not create the change they desired.  

Week 3: The History of South Africa

It was really surprising to see how much the history of South Africa matches up so well with the history of the United States.  How the natives that lived on the land were forced out of their own territory.  Due to new settlers escaping from religious persecution from their own countries they were traveling from.  While also in search of new land development, resources, and territory.  The Mines and Work Act is similar to the Jim Crow Laws such as the how separation existed between non-white and white people.  Only whites having the privilege of voting, better education and owning land.  What really stuns me is that the United States era of slavery ended more than 140 years ago.  Yet South Africa is just now coming out of apartheid in just 10 years ago.  This speaks a lot on the restructuring of this country.  As American citizens we are continuously working on equal rights for all still to this day.  I can only image the struggle that is continuously going on during this current time which is a present challenge for the citizens who were forced under unjust laws.  One strength I did notice is that South Africa government has agreed to transition from violence to a more peaceful and a new constitution. 

The current event that I strongly connect with is "Women top the agenda at AU summit."  Why would this be of interest to me you ask?  I understand that in different cultures there are different views about certain customs, traditions, norms, and rights.  However I feel that it is the utmost rightful privilege of any girl, or woman to have a choice on if she is ready to become united with an individual for the rest of her life.  I understand that in America divorce is on the top of the list for family disasters, but for most of those individuals.  They still probably had a choice if they wanted to become in a sacred union with one another.  They were not all forced to do something.  

Women should have a voice and they should be heard.  It is only when we are silent and do not speak up is when we can be overlooked and mistreated.  Well I have a voice and I am committed to use it.  There should and will be respect for girls and women.  It is up to us to take a stand on this issue at hand to make change.

Questions:  What is South Africa's place in the fight against Ebola in West Africa?  What steps in being put into place to create equality for all citizens in South Africa?

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