“I was called a terrorist yesterday, but when I came out of jail, many people embraced me, including my enemies, and that is what I normally tell other people who say those who are struggling for liberation in their country are terrorists.”
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.
Quote
“I was called a terrorist yesterday, but when I came out of jail, many people embraced me, including my enemies, and that is what I normally tell other people who say those who are struggling for liberation in their country are terrorists.”
Explanation
In this quote, Nelson Mandela reflects on the transformation of his image, from being labeled a terrorist by the South African apartheid government and its supporters, to being embraced as a symbol of freedom and reconciliation upon his release. This shift in perception underscores the complex nature of political struggles and the evolving understanding of what constitutes legitimate resistance. Mandela highlights the distinction between violent resistance and terrorism, acknowledging how historical context and shifting political dynamics can alter how individuals and movements are perceived. In the past, many freedom fighters and anti-colonial leaders were labeled terrorists by the powers they opposed, only to later be recognized as heroes and statesmen. Mandela’s words serve as a reminder of how history often judges these struggles, and how labels like “terrorist” can be used to justify oppression.
The mention of being embraced by even his enemies points to Mandela’s deep commitment to reconciliation and his belief in the potential for forgiveness and healing, even after years of intense conflict. After his release in 1990, Mandela became a global symbol of peace and unity, advocating for a democratic South Africa in which both black and white South Africans could live together harmoniously. He understood that true leadership meant transcending past animosities and working toward the collective good of all people. Mandela’s transformation from a “terrorist” to a beloved leader also serves as an important lesson in the power of forgiveness and the importance of not allowing past labels or stereotypes to define the future.
This quote resonates beyond the context of apartheid and has modern-day applications in the context of liberation movements and political struggles around the world. It emphasizes that those who are labeled as “terrorists” may, in time, be recognized as freedom fighters and leaders, especially when the societal or political system they are fighting against changes. It also underscores the importance of perspective and the long-term view in understanding the actions of those who seek justice and freedom in their countries.
