“Where globalization means, as it so often does, that the rich and powerful now have new means to further enrich and empower themselves at the cost of the poorer and weaker, we have a responsibility to protest in the name of universal freedom.”
Image credits: John Mathew Smith 2001,”From Wash D.C. Longworth building October 4, 1994. Mandela’s first trip to the United States.”,CC BY-SA 2.0,Nelson Mandela 1994 – Nelson Mandela – Wikipedia
- July 18, 1918 – December 5, 2013
- Born in South Africa
- Politician, lawyer
- The first black president of South Africa, he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for abolishing apartheid and building a democratic South Africa where multiple ethnic groups coexist.
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Quote
“Where globalization means, as it so often does, that the rich and powerful now have new means to further enrich and empower themselves at the cost of the poorer and weaker, we have a responsibility to protest in the name of universal freedom.”
Explanation
In this quote, Nelson Mandela critiques the negative aspects of globalization, particularly how it often benefits the wealthy and powerful while exacerbating the inequalities faced by the poor and the vulnerable. The phrase “new means to further enrich and empower themselves” suggests that globalization, rather than creating a more equitable world, often enables those already in positions of power to consolidate and expand their dominance. This has been a central concern in discussions of globalization, as it has led to widening wealth gaps, exploitation of developing economies, and an intensification of poverty in many parts of the world.
Mandela calls for a responsibility to protest, positioning universal freedom as a moral imperative. This reflects his broader commitment to justice and equality, principles for which he fought throughout his life, not just in South Africa, but also as part of his global vision for human rights. By invoking universal freedom, Mandela emphasizes the importance of solidarity among nations and peoples, urging a collective stance against systems that perpetuate inequality. The quote also reflects the ethical duty of activists and citizens to challenge economic structures that exploit the weak and vulnerable, whether in developed or developing countries.
In modern times, this critique of globalization resonates with movements against economic injustice and the concentration of wealth, such as the anti-globalization protests of the late 20th and early 21st centuries. These movements highlight how corporate power, trade agreements, and financial institutions can sometimes prioritize profits over people, leading to the marginalization of the poor and the disempowerment of developing nations. Mandela’s call to action remains relevant today, as it underscores the need for global solidarity in challenging structures that perpetuate inequality and oppression on a worldwide scale.
