[PAX] Nelson Mandela's Legacy (RIP)

[Gaze]

I grew up in the 80s and 90s. he was such an icon then and as generations go by, fewer of the younger generation have the sense of how big a figure he was. For me, he will always be someone who in difficult circumstances, although quite fallible and sometimes controversial, was significant in making the world aware of the continued impact of racism not only in South Africa but the rest of the world. His influence spurred a movement and a fight for the rights of blacks around the world. So, for that, I salute him.

 

[Ghoulia Yelps]

http://www.nytimes.com/1997/05/13/world/party-led-by-mandela-now-owns-up-to-atrocities.html
http://thebackbencher.co.uk/3-things-you-didnt-want-to-know-about-nelson-mandela/

To be honest, although he gave hope to many people, I don't believe Mandela was as fine and rosy as most people believe. He wasn't a peaceful activist, and was guilty of many atrocities and deaths in the name of his cause.
I would have more respect if he had been like Ghandi, however he wasn't.
Even black people who disagreed with his methods were disposed of.
I'd do some research before lauding Mandela as a hero.

 

[Gaze]

http://www.nytimes.com/1997/05/13/world/party-led-by-mandela-now-owns-up-to-atrocities.html
http://thebackbencher.co.uk/3-things-you-didnt-want-to-know-about-nelson-mandela/

To be honest, although he gave hope to many people, I don't believe Mandela was as fine and rosy as most people believe. He wasn't a peaceful activist, and was guilty of many atrocities and deaths in the name of his cause.
I would have more respect if he had been like Ghandi, however he wasn't.
Even black people who disagreed with his methods were disposed of.
I'd do some research before lauding Mandela as a hero.

Edit: Nowhere in the OP did it say Mandela was perfect. In fact, the OP says

although quite fallible and sometimes controversial, was significant

This thread is not about him being a hero, but simply appreciating the positives he accomplished. Please use another thread to talk about the atrocities.

 

[AzulSoul]

What's interesting to see is how people have made an icon out of him to simplify the situation. It's a phenomenon that occurs a lot in history, much to the detriment of society because people then don't feel that they can influence the world in such a profound way themselves. For example, very few people know who FW de Klerk is, even though he was instrumental in ending South African apartheid. Another interesting thing is how people forget that he was a terrorist at one point, simply because we agree with his cause, and simultaneously condemn people for fighting for their beliefs when we don't share their opinions.