Nelson Mandela

Sarah Edwards
Dr. Simpson
History 110
South Africa Paper 3
Nelson Mandela, Life and Nationalism In South Africa while Nelson Mandela was growing stronger and wiser and learning of nationalism the nation was deteriorating and the idea of nationalism was more of a mockery than a tenet. Nelson Mandela is an example of how nationalism affects the people of impoverished nations more dramatically than nations that are considered wealthy. Mandela’s story is on that is not only inspiring, but also fascinating because of the many changes in South Africa that changed his perspective. To understand how Mandela became a great nationalist we need to look at where he began from. Rolihlahla Dalibhunga Mandela was born on July 18, 1918 in the Eastern Cape of South Africa. His parents, Gadla Henry Mphakanyiswa and Nosekeni Fanny, were members of the Madiba clan, making him also a member of this clan. The tribal name, "Rolihalah," means "troublemaker." Mandela was later given the name Nelson, his ‘English’ name, by a teacher during his time in school. When he was nineteen years old he joined Justice at Healdtown, Wesleyan College located in Fort Beaufort. Mandela gained a lot of knowledge and friends while at the school.
He has said he cannot pinpoint when he knew he would spend the rest of his life fighting for the liberties of his nation. He said ‘to be an African in South Africa means that one is politicized from the moment of one’s birth, whether one acknowledges it or not”. He is talking about the fact that even though the live in South Africa, there is discrimination towards African people. This seems strange but is very true. There was discrimination towards Africans living in South Africa by the others who had settled there. However, he never gave up. Nelson Mandela always kept hope because he knew things would eventually change.
South Africa is a country rich in rare gems, like diamonds, and also minerals. Diamonds are a big reason South Africans that are African were and in some cases are still being treated badly. Mandela counters that he believes the greatest wealth the country of South Africa has is its people. He says that he believes the people of his country are more valuable and true than diamonds. He mentions how he has seen men and women of his country give their lives to protect their country and its people. The strength that these men and women show is the true definition of courage. This is what nationalism is about.
Nationalism is about having pride in one’s country and being willing to protect it. Nationalism isn’t always what we associate with courage. As, Americans we often think that nationalism is about hanging an American flag outside and giving blood to the Red Cross once a year for soldiers. It’s so much more than just saying you are from a country. It’s representing what that country stands for.
I think that Nelson Mandela is a perfect example of nationalism. He goes through the trials of being a child under an oppressive government and even put in jail by that government to eventually becoming President of South Africa. He believes everyone is equal and we all have some good inside us. “Man’s goodness is a flame that can be hidden but never extinguished”. He has the firm belief that a country can pull together and unite for a common good.
I think that learning about nationalism was really important and opened my eyes to a lot of things I never knew. I also learned more about Nelson Mandela, who is one of my personal heroes. One of my favorite things that Mandela said in his autobiography was “I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it”. I agree with this statement I think we all get afraid of doing what we know is right. Sometimes we are afraid to stand up for what we want. Nelson Mandela shows us that having pride in your country and yourself is the best way to go through life.