Isn’t it interesting, when someone passes away, how so many seem to rush to claim him as “one of our own”?
When we observed even the anniversary of JFK’s death 2 and a half weeks ago, politicians and pundits and authors and activists again averred how Kennedy would undoubtedly be a staunch liberal leader or would have converted to strict conservatism if still alive today. As initially addressed here, JFK advocated for a variety of positions, none wholly consistent with either contemporary party’s platform.
When respected “Fast & Furious” actor, Paul Walker, passed away in a tragic accident 2 weeks ago, fans rushed to express their adoration in their grief. The massive outpouring made me wonder if Walker felt that strong connection with so many fans when still alive.
Once more, no less, in the death of former South African leader, Nelson Mandela, we see the inherent claims of Mandela being “one of our own.”
Mandela was unique… an educated man… originally embracing non-violent protests… for a time associated with communism… serving 27 years in prison… working to extinguish apartheid, South Africa’s intentional system of racial segregation… becoming president… inviting other parties to help him govern… promoting forgiveness… mediating between other nations — such as between Libya and the United Kingdom in regard to the bombing of Pan Am Flight 103… developing a full and free democracy in his country… advocating for charity… respected by many… inspiring even more…
On par with Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr., Mandela was one of the great moral leaders of the past century. His significant, perceived positive, global influence is considered comparable to Churchill, Reagan, and FDR. His consistent message of unity and forgiveness in a racially-charged world spoke volumes.
After passing away at 95 last Thursday, many have seemed quick to identify with Mandela, claiming him as their so-called own. The challenge is that to identify with him, one must not only weigh — but also practice — the wisdom within the complete spectrum of his teaching. In other words, his message of racial reconciliation is hollow without the accompanying forgiveness and humility. To identify with the man means to believe and practice his actual words…
I stand here before you not as a prophet, but as a humble servant of you, the people.
Money won’t create success; the freedom to make it will.
A good leader can engage in a debate frankly and thoroughly, knowing that at the end he and the other side must be closer, and thus emerge stronger. You don’t have that idea when you are arrogant, superficial, and uninformed.
I detest racialism, because I regard it as a barbaric thing, whether it comes from a black man or a white man.
Does anybody really think that they didn’t get what they had because they didn’t have the talent or the strength or the endurance or the commitment?
I was not a messiah, but an ordinary man who had become a leader because of extraordinary circumstances.
Unlike some politicians, I can admit to a mistake.
With the wide number who claim to either identify with or revere Nelson Mandela mightily, we should perhaps first take stock of his words, humbly recognizing that some of his words may subtly — or sharply — rebuke us instead.
Respectfully,
AR