Jerard reflects on current events and lessons of the past

I would like to start this post by acknowledging the recent loss of life that occurred in Boston this week. My positive thoughts and well wishes go out to those who lost someone or something during the recent attack at the Boston Marathon. This horrible assault on the innocent was an act of anger meant to inspire fear. Regardless of the ethnicity, gender, age, nationality or religious affiliation of the perpetrator, this was inexcusable. It is events like this that show the character of a person and a nation, and it is events like this one by which a country is judged. Some people have responded with fear, some with anger, but some have responded with love.

In class this week we looked at some of the responses people have had as well as the possible motivations behind attacks like these. Out of anger, fear, and love we came to the conclusion that this is what should be our country’s response to catastrophes like this one. It is only after being given time to reflect on our discussion and these events that I am able to draw the connection between these three responses and South Africa. All three responses to a transgression can be seen throughout the history of South Africa. During the apartheid era, anger could be seen in the military attacks against the apartheid government by the militant branch of the African National Congress (ANC). These attacks were not the ultimate cause of whites agreeing to share governmental power with Blacks and Coloureds. In fact the ANC soon came to realize that directing their anger towards violent means would only leave the country in shambles. On the other hand the effects of fear could be seen by the whites that were the opposition. They were fearful that if they gave Blacks a say they would create reverse discrimination. Ultimately they, like the ANC, realized that the alternative to giving Blacks and Coloureds equal standing in society was a ravaged and destroyed country. As a result, instead of the Blacks and Coloureds creating an unequal society in their favor, they decided to forgive the past transgressions of the Whites on the condition that individuals that did wrongs admitted their wrongs. The Country chose love so unconditionally that in its preamble it states that it will work to, “Heal the divisions of the past and establish a society based on democratic values, social justice and fundamental human rights.” This isn’t the only reference to unity, but to me it is the one that most shows both sides willingness to come together as a nation. Since the creation of this document South Africa’s race relations have improved. I believe that every person and country everywhere should take a page from South Africa’s book. Love even those that wrong you, because the alternative is mutual destruction brought on by fear and anger. This is easier said than done, but if two groups that only knew fear and anger prior this can do it then so can anyone.