The Sharpeville Massacre is dated on March 21, 1960. The setting of the massacre was the Sharpeville police station.By 10 o' clock in the morning time, there had been a crowd of blacks gathered, where at least 7,000 people had showed up. The blacks were protesting peacefully and very festively. None of these blacks were carrying their pass books, so they were basically giving theirselves up to the police. At around 1 o' clock in the afternoon, the police had tried to arrest an alleged ringleader. There was a small altercation between some of the protesters and a few policemen. The police were armed with many different firearms, some being as big as sub-machine guns. There were jets and air crafts flying over the crowd in attempts to disperse it but that didn't work. The jets and air crafts were hovering less than a hundred feet over the crowd.
On this day, people were protesting against laws, when police began to fire at them. Over 69 people were killed and, as many as 180 injured. Of the 69 killed there were at least 8 women and 10 children. Of the 180 injured there were at least 31 women and 19 children. People were shot in the back as they turned to run away from the firing.
The police claimed that they opened fire on these innocent people because they panicked and didn’t know what else to do. The police also claimed that they had no training in “mob disturbances”.
Lieutenant Colonel Pienaar, which was the commanding officer at the time, stated that the native mentality doesn't allow them to gather for a peaceful demonstration. For the natives to get together means violence. Pienaar also did not admit to giving any order to fire and said that he would not have given that order under any circumstances.
Following the massacre, there were marches, strikes, and riots all around the country. The communities all around were coming together in a huge uproar. There was a lot of protesting. There was also many sympathetic demonstrations in all of the other countries who has heard of the massacre. The Sharpsville a Massacre had become an international crisis just like many others. Some sources say that the crowd was a peaceful crowd, while others say the crowd was violence ridden.
This event was a major point in history for apartheid. The massacre showed just how cruel the authorities were to the people. It also shows the problems the people faced when just trying to fight for their innocent rights. Personally, I think this was a tragic event. Why would the policy have the audacity to fire at people who were peacefully protesting their rights? That is a question that shall remain unknown. I pray nothing will ever happen like this in my years, I would never want to experience such great tragedy. As I kept reading the many different articles and documents on google, I couldn't even conjure up a reason of why this massacre occurred. What was the real reason? I don't recommend this topic to anyone. The topic was very saddening, and I'll never choose something so horrific as a topic again.
Bibliography:
Boddy-Evans, Alistair. "Sharpeville Massacre, The Origin of South Africa's Human Rights Day". about.com. Retrieved 15 December 2006.
Thursday, December 19, 2013
The Power of One (Michael Cobb)
PK was an English boy in a German boarding school therefore he was discriminated against. PK experiences serious discrimination and taunting including being urinated on. PK meets someone named Doc who plays a big role in his life. Doc sets up for PK to take boxing lessons. Even in the boxing school segregation is enforced. Doc, who was sent to prison also, is discriminated against.
Doc was not the typical German that only believed in hate or the holocaust. Doc believes in peace and equality. Discrimination is one of the many elements of apartheid; it’s so vivid and obvious in this movie. Doc was discriminated against on a more complex level. He was not discriminated against because of the color of his skin but because he was German. The people in the prison thought that he was like all of the other mean Germans that they had come in contact with.
This just goes to show how people thing, because of how other people of a particular group or race behave, their behaviors reflect on the other individuals of that particular group.
Although there are other types, the biggest issue in this movie is Black and White racism. In this movie blacks have little to no rights. One of the scenes that really stuck out to me was when PK first met his boxing instructor who was black. PK addresses his instructor as sir. His instructor told him not to call him that because he was afraid that he would be beaten. PK was simply trying to be respectful and was not allowed to.
The scene that would definitely stick out to anyone who has seen the movie is when the boxing instructor was forced to eat animal waste off of a Sergeant’s boot. This is worse than just typical racism. The Sergeant established his dominance not only over the boxing instructor but to me it’s like he established that his whole race was dominant over the blacks. This is how it is throughout the movie.
Personally this movie just adds to the sympathy that I feel towards the people that had to suffer during the apartheid. Although Apartheid has ended, segregation and racism is still very real.
I really would recommend watching this movie for anyone who wants to get a visual of what it was really like. It’s more than what you can imagine and what you can just read in a textbook.
The catalyst
Robert B
A2
A2
The Sharpeville Massacre was a horrendous event that took place in Sharpeville, South Africa, March twenty-first, 1960, in which South African police gunned-down sixty-nine native South Africans (eight being women and ten being children). A crowd of around five thousand to seven thousand attended to protest the current apartheid laws in South Africa. There are mixed claims of why the police fired; some claim the natives were instigating violence while others claim the natives were peacefully protesting. There is no evidence to suggest the natives had any weapon other than rocks. It is highly agreed that the Sharpeville massacre brought rapid change. Just nine days after the massacre, the government declared a state of emergency, detaining more than 18,000 people, including prominent anti-apartheid activists who were known as members of the Congress Alliance. In addition, the U.N. condemned South Africa for the actions of the police. Most importantly, the massacre began a new age of armed native resistance and protest. A new approach to apartheid was developed. In my opinion, it is atrocious that such an event occurred. Police claimed they fired because the mob was becoming violent, but we can tell there was a deeper reason than that. This event occurred because of racism. To base anything on race is an invalid argument. Race can never determine the worth or potential of a person. No race can be completely stereotyped as being something or doing anything. However, there is validity in saying that a race is more likely to act a certain way or behave in a specific manner. According to NCAAP, African Americans are incarcerated at nearly six times the rate of whites. Together, African American and Hispanics comprised 58% of all prisoners in 2008, even though African Americans and Hispanics make up approximately one quarter of the US population. Is there a legitimate argument to be had here? There are factual statistics that show certain minorities run a higher chance of being incarcerated. Can we therefore say that, because of a person's race, they are more likely to behave a specific way? Technically, yes. There is hard evidence that suggest certain races are more likely to be a certain way. However, even if 99% of a race acts is proven to act a certain way that does not correspond to every single person being that way. All it takes is one person to break a trend. It is valid to say certain races have a higher probability of specific characteristics, but due to the large population of those people, it is impossible to generalize every single one of them. Therefore, unless 100% of that certain race or ethnic group fulfills a certain stereotype, any generalizations are invalid. There is still a gray area in the Sharpeville massacre: did the police have the right to shoot? There is proof that South Africans had began throwing rocks and menacing police barricades. However, this was in response to the police's reinforcements, including more officers, armored cars, and sabre jets to try and intimidate the crowd. From a native's point of view, it seemed that the police were asking for a fight. When natives started throwing rocks, I think police did not have the right to shoot. A angry mob throwing rocks is extremely dangerous no doubt, but randomly firing into a crowd was not the best solution. In that scenario, police should have thrown tear gas (which they did) and arrested those who were violently protesting. They should have also shot bullets into the sky to gather the natives attention. Most natives were shot in the back fleeing. If you want to learn more about the Sharpeville massacre, I suggest watching a variety of videos on YouTube and reading multiple articles on the event. The Sharpeville Massacre is still a debated topic based on it's validity of police firing. However, after much research, it is more agreed upon that the police acted out of fear and impulse.
Bibliography
Cunningham, John M. "Sharpeville Massacre (South African History)." Encyclopedia Britannica Online. Encyclopedia Britannica, 16 Sept. 2013. Web. 17 Dec. 2013.
Boddy-Evans, Alistair. "Sharpeville Massacre." About.com African History. About.com, 5 Jan. 2012. Web. 18 Dec. 2013.
Bibliography
Cunningham, John M. "Sharpeville Massacre (South African History)." Encyclopedia Britannica Online. Encyclopedia Britannica, 16 Sept. 2013. Web. 17 Dec. 2013.
Boddy-Evans, Alistair. "Sharpeville Massacre." About.com African History. About.com, 5 Jan. 2012. Web. 18 Dec. 2013.
Vusi Mahlasela
Vusi Mahlasela is a musician who as a child grew
up in the Mamelodi township located near Pretoria. While young he never noticed
the unfair effects of apartheid in his everyday life. While growing up
South African music was banned from the radio; a effect of the cultural
boycotting brought upon by the apartheid. Eventually he and some friends from
the neighborhood formed their own small band. The first guitar he ever
owned was made by himself with fishing line and a cooking oil can.
The soweto uprising brought his
intention to how much of a problem the segregation was. As Vusi became
more educated about apartheid and its atrocities , he began to incorporate his
beliefs into his music. The main topics that his songs emphasised on justice,
freedom, revolution of love, peace and life. Vusi then became more involved
with groups such as “The Ancestors of Africa” (a poetry group) and “The South
African Writers” this influenced him in many ways. A member of the group known
as Nadine Gordimer was one of his friends which payed for his first guitar
lessons. As the subject of political activism began to appear in his music he
was sent to solitary confinement. With all the trauma from the harassment of
policemen, with many of his friends fleeing the country, and the place that he
was in his music allowed to relieve himself and other people with the same
struggles of apartheid.
Things started looking up as
Apartheid was banished as Vusi recorded his first album with “Shifty Records/
BMG Records”. This album included songs that he had written through his entire
life. “When you come back” was one of his most popular songs, everyone played
it, blacks and whites at all different occasions. What makes this song so
famous is the fact that Vusi Mahlasela was asked to perform at Nelson
Mandela's Presidential Inauguration. After this Vusi has globally traveled and
shared his experience and music. After that his fame expanded rapidly he has
been in two TED episodes, LA times stated about him “rare and memorizing
musical mind..”. He again played for Nelson Mandela's 90th birthday
celebration. He was involved in the world cup of South Africa taking place at
Orlando Stadium in Soweto.
I
think Vusi Mahlasela really inspired people with his music; this can be proved
by the fact that as soon he sang at Nelson Mandela's Presidential Inauguration
his music became very popular and famous all around the world overcoming any
racial barrier. I find it interesting that someone that was so little known in
his home country could become recognized just from the message in his music.
Anyone has the ability to make a difference in this world if they follow the
convictions of their heart. I wouldn't say that Vusi thought as a young
man that he were to ever have the ability and talent to affect the future of
his people. His music not only helped him with struggles he was facing but
helped others see they could undertake impossible odds.
Michelle H.
Sources:
http://vusimahlasela.com/bio/
The power of one by Jacob Eischen
THE
POWER OF ONE by: Jacob Eischen
The power of one is a movie
about a young man P.K living in South Africa during World War II. P.K is a
British child living in South Africa with his mom, his Zulu nanny and her son.
She ends up teaching P.K the ways of Africa while his mother teaches him the
ways of England. His mother ends up having a mental breakdown and his is sent
to continue learning at an Afrikaner boarding school where he is bullied by one
of the Afrikaners Jaapie Botha. The bullying by Botha leads him to having
nightmares, to fight these nightmares he is helped by a South African man
Dubala Manzi, who teaches him courage. As a result of conquering his fear Manzi
gives him a chicken, “mother courage.” Mother courage becomes his best friend
but he and mother courage are taken to a small mock trial by Botha. During the
trial they hang mother Courage in front of P.K after which the Dean walks in
and Botha is expelled. This movie truly does the best with its Character
development. The people in the story play such a huge part in P.K’s life. For
example a man named Doc when living with his grandfather, Doc is in jail for being
considered an enemy during WWII but he plays a huge part in teaching P.K who
regularly visits him. While in jail visiting Doc he meets an African man Geel
Piet who teaches him how to box. While there he orchestrates a concert for the
many African prisoners there and unites all the tribes with music. He is than
sent away to study at a very prestigious school in Johannesburg called Prince
of Wales. He then strikes a love interest during a boxing championship, Maria.
Her father won’t allow them to date so they date in secret. To become a better
boxer P.K trains at a multiracial boxing gym where he meets a man Gideon Duma.
A black boxer, known for fighting against apartheid. He wants P.K to become a
face for their fight against apartheid. P.K helps the children of Dumas Township
by holding English sessions for people of the township so the teachers can
better help the children. During their second teaching session the police
intervene and Maria is killed. In the end the police force led by his childhood
bully Botha attacks Dumas Township and injures many as well as killing a few.
The movie ends with P.K walking with Duma as fugitives fighting apartheid evil
reign.
Although not a true story P.K fights apartheid in a
couple ways probably the most important was through teaching the natives of Duma’s
township. One major problem of apartheid was that the natives weren’t educated
well enough to make a change in their lives so they continued to live in
poverty with no hope of change. By educating the teachers he allowed the
children to have a chance in life and become educated individuals who could
make a difference. I honestly though the movie is worth the watch; but it’s not
really the best movie. It lacks pretty important structure, the movie is truly
all over the place and not really centered on a central theme. To me it seemed
more like 3 mini movies. It does kind of give you some good insight on
apartheid
Here is a clip from the
movie: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=55kZOTHxUJQ
Sources:
·
"The Power of One." All
Content. N.p., n.d. Web. 19 Dec. 2013
·
"The Power of One." IMDb.
IMDb.com, n.d. Web. 19 Dec. 2013.
·
"The Power of One - The Rainmaker
and The Myth Business." YouTube. YouTube, 10 Mar. 2012. Web. 19 Dec. 2013.
The Election That
Changed it All
One of the most significant outcomes of ending apartheid in
South Africa is the first multiracial election held in April of 1994. More than 17 million black South Africans
began voting for a new government official.
Nelson Mandela winning the election was also significant
because at the time Mandela had just recently been released from prison after
spending over 27 years imprisoned. When
Mandela won he became the first colored South African president. The three
politicians running were Nelson Mandela, F. W. de Klerk, and Mangosuthu
Butheizi. Mandela was the only colored of the three running. It has been said
that together Klerk and Mandela transformed their country abolishing apartheid
and creating a more multi-racial democracy.
A quote from Klerk says "Although we were political opponents -
and although our relationship was often stormy - we were always able to come
together at critical moments to resolve the many crises that arose during the
negotiation process.” Their relationship with each other says a lot of their
character because even though they didn’t like each other at times and didn’t
approve of some of the things the other did, both men knew how to come together
and change their country for the better. They both knew how to put their
problems aside when needed and fight against a greater opponent together.
After three
centuries of white rule Mandela was finally elected. His ANC party won 252 out
of 400 seats. Mandela’s inauguration was held at the Union building’s
amphitheater in Pretoria. There he was sworn in pledging his allegiance
followed. "I do
hereby swear to be faithful to the Republic of South Africa and do solemnly and
sincerely promise to promote that which will advance and to oppose all that may
harm the republic... and to devote myself to the well-being of the republic and
all its people." After his inauguration many people of all races came to
celebrate as one, together.The Election That
Changed it All
One of the most significant outcomes of ending apartheid in
South Africa is the first multiracial election held in April of 1994. More than 17 million black South Africans
began voting for a new government official.
Nelson Mandela winning the election was also significant
because at the time Mandela had just recently been released from prison after
spending over 27 years imprisoned. When
Mandela won he became the first colored South African president. The three
politicians running were Nelson Mandela, F. W. de Klerk, and Mangosuthu
Butheizi. Mandela was the only colored of the three running. It has been said
that together Klerk and Mandela transformed their country abolishing apartheid
and creating a more multi-racial democracy.
A quote from Klerk says "Although we were political opponents -
and although our relationship was often stormy - we were always able to come
together at critical moments to resolve the many crises that arose during the
negotiation process.” Their relationship with each other says a lot of their
character because even though they didn’t like each other at times and didn’t
approve of some of the things the other did, both men knew how to come together
and change their country for the better. They both knew how to put their
problems aside when needed and fight against a greater opponent together.
After three
centuries of white rule Mandela was finally elected. His ANC party won 252 out
of 400 seats. Mandela’s inauguration was held at the Union building’s
amphitheater in Pretoria. There he was sworn in pledging his allegiance
followed. "I do
hereby swear to be faithful to the Republic of South Africa and do solemnly and
sincerely promise to promote that which will advance and to oppose all that may
harm the republic... and to devote myself to the well-being of the republic and
all its people." After his inauguration many people of all races came to
celebrate as one, together.
As president Mandela did many great things
for his country. He worked very hard to end apartheid in his nation. He
received over 50 honorary doctorates from universities across the world. His
foundation raised funds that helped Johannesburg’s poverty, as well as
education and their struggle with the outbreak of HIV/ aids. As soon as Nelson
Mandela was sworn in he mapped out the actions he was about to take in order to
turn his nation around, which is shown in this statement from his inauguration.
“This
is for all South Africans, an unforgettable occasion. It is the realization of
hopes and dreams that we have cherished over decades. The dreams of South
Africa, which represents all South Africans. It is the beginning of a new era.
We have moved from an era of pessimism, division, limited opportunities,
turmoil and conflict.
We are starting a new era of hope, reconciliation and nation
building. We sincerely hope that by the mere casting of a vote the results will
give hope to all South Africans and make all South Africans realise this is our
country. We are one nation. Our message is that the basic needs of the masses of the
people must be addressed: the creation of jobs, of houses, the introduction of
electricity, building of schools and hospitals, providing free, compulsory
quality education, running water, paved roads. These are our priorities. But we are also concerned
about the minorities in the country - especially the white minority. We are
concerned about giving confidence and security to those who are worried that by
these changes they are now going to be in a disadvantaged position. I again
repeat that I have throughout my life as I pointed out in the Rivonia Trial: I have fought very firmly against white domination. I have fought
very firmly against black domination. I cherish the idea of a new South
Africa where all South Africans are equal and work together to bring about
security, peace and democracy in our country. I sincerely hope that the mass
media will use its powerful position to ensure that democracy is installed in
this country. And I thank you.”
In my opinion, Nelson Mandela’s election was one of the best
things that happened to South Africa. He made a significant impact fighting
against apartheid and without him the country would probably be in an even
worse place. A recommendation for further studying this topic would be studying
more into F. W. de Klerk and Mandela’s life and how they became such influential
people.
As president Mandela did many great things
for his country. He worked very hard to end apartheid in his nation. He
received over 50 honorary doctorates from universities across the world. His
foundation raised funds that helped Johannesburg’s poverty, as well as
education and their struggle with the outbreak of HIV/ aids. As soon as Nelson
Mandela was sworn in he mapped out the actions he was about to take in order to
turn his nation around, which is shown in this statement from his inauguration.
“This
is for all South Africans, an unforgettable occasion. It is the realization of
hopes and dreams that we have cherished over decades. The dreams of South
Africa, which represents all South Africans. It is the beginning of a new era.
We have moved from an era of pessimism, division, limited opportunities,
turmoil and conflict.
We are starting a new era of hope, reconciliation and nation
building. We sincerely hope that by the mere casting of a vote the results will
give hope to all South Africans and make all South Africans realise this is our
country. We are one nation. Our message is that the basic needs of the masses of the
people must be addressed: the creation of jobs, of houses, the introduction of
electricity, building of schools and hospitals, providing free, compulsory
quality education, running water, paved roads. These are our priorities. But we are also concerned
about the minorities in the country - especially the white minority. We are
concerned about giving confidence and security to those who are worried that by
these changes they are now going to be in a disadvantaged position. I again
repeat that I have throughout my life as I pointed out in the Rivonia Trial: I have fought very firmly against white domination. I have fought
very firmly against black domination. I cherish the idea of a new South
Africa where all South Africans are equal and work together to bring about
security, peace and democracy in our country. I sincerely hope that the mass
media will use its powerful position to ensure that democracy is installed in
this country. And I thank you.”
In my opinion, Nelson Mandela’s election was one of the best
things that happened to South Africa. He made a significant impact fighting
against apartheid and without him the country would probably be in an even
worse place. A recommendation for further studying this topic would be studying
more into F. W. de Klerk and Mandela’s life and how they became such influential
people.
http://blog.oup.com/2012/04/south-africa-holds-first-multiracial-election/
Meredith W.
1A
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