Im indifferent to his death. He was a right wing activist with a dark past, I believe he did change his views and ways as he got older and wiser. I wouldn't clap.
Right wing activist? He may have been an activist against apartheid and oppression, but he was certainly not right wing..
I think you have to appreciate this man's life on the grounds that - he was the figure-head that ended the foul and oppressive (if not downright evil) apartheid regime and did so with the humility of Ghandi, his only equal as a 20th century statesman imho - he did a great deal to improve issues related to racism on a global scale - his message forgiveness is a lesson to all and defines him as one of the world's greatest humanitarians There are very few who could be recognised as his own equal. The minutes applause is appropriate and fitting.
For a variety of reasons both he and Botha had no choice, although De Clerk was largely constructive and supportive during the post-apartheid era. As for the violent struggle, I believe you need to need to place the era (1960's/70's in in particular) in the context of the influence of Frantz Fannon and Black Panther movement in the USA who believed that acts of violence were justified as those in power, vis-a-vis the rich, will not relinquish their position willingly without it being taken from them. This political view was personified by Malcom X with his iconic line 'by any means necessary'. Violence was a key weapon of the ANC, but what were they fighting against? Mandela, drove the attention away from the white rule and made the battle systemic, rooted in his humanitarian beliefs.
I dont like the way this is all going tbh. It's no longer enough to care, you have to show how much you care. Every death is a mad scramble for the moral high ground. I'm growing tired of the public weeping & wailing, the roadside shrines and piles of soggy teddy bears outside houses or football grounds. If people really care about others then do something for them. Don't kid yourself that clapping for 60 seconds makes a difference.
I wont be clapping to make a difference or to show that I care for the less fortunate, I will be clapping out of respect and in recognition of a mans life and his contribution to my life.
I think that there are other issues that we need to be concerned about, rather than showing your respect to a man,who,undoubtedly, had a huge impact far beyond his own country. No one is being forced to join in the minute's applause and I'm sure the man, himself, would respect your right not to participate - his overriding message was one of tolerance - something that is, more often that not, missing from the the media driven attempts to demonize many parts of our society and, indeed, other parts of the world: immigrants, benefit claimants,public sector workers, the disabled,Muslims etc. etc. This agenda, to mold public opinion, is what we should be getting mad about.
Agree , ask all those clapping if they really care to give some money to some charity that might make a difference, then some clapping that's going to do F--k all
Its about showing respect and being seen to show respect to a man who suffered unbelievably for a very just cause. If you wish to think you are taking the moral high ground and "can see the big picture" and not show respect to a man like Nelson Mandela then I think that really says more about you and the type of person you are than I ever could. But, don't bother putting into any "Kick Racism Out of Football Collections" - you obviously do not get the concept.
I find it strange that hand clapping for 1 minute is discussed for pages on here....its 1 minute guys and it really is for a man who is worth it. Also show me 1 person who does not have a 'dark' side when fighting for their life against all odds. Like someone said join in if you want to if not then thats your right, just like the rights this man was fighting for.
I agree, I try not to comment on other peoples views because they have as much right to them as I have to mine, however when Mandela gets called a right wing activist, that demonstrates to me how ignorant some people are and why it is pointless arguing with them.
