Explorations in Leadership

ITGS 400

Explorations in Leadership

NEED RESPONSES FOR TWO STUDENT’S POSTS

This related for Module 6
(Read Mandela Part 7)

Response Posts: Respond to the posts of at least 2 other students. Each response should be at least 150 words. Statements like “I agree/ don’t agree” are not helpful unless they are supported with arguments and reasoning. Remember everyone’s right to freedom of speech and the importance of ensuring a safe environment by being respectful: we don’t criticize people, we argue thinking.

STUDENT’S POST #1

Geena Miles,

The main theme between our novel and movie material from my observations would be: the importance of song. During the struggle, collective hardship could be recognized and synthesized by the masses through song. These songs could be traditional, spins on traditional, reflective of pop culture, or even spurious and created at the moment. Signing together was a way of emotional connection without needing to know each other on an individual level; everyone already knew what it was about: the struggle. Mandela’s experience with music has been pervasive throughout the book, but it is most prominent during his goings and comings from prison. As Mandela gained traction during the struggle, crowds of people would join him at trials, and be chanting next to the police cars taking him into prison, which was often welcomed by Mandela, for this mass support no doubt eased his spirits at least somewhat during prison.

Another theme for this week was the increased strategy by the enemy, and therefore increased need for resolve. After Mandela’s success with the Treason Trial, the government slowly became more meticulous with what it could punish. Small acts, not even particularly crimes, could be punished by the law. Likely, twisting of policies and interpretations of laws were skewed in order to be as cruel as possible, with the goals of crushing spirits. I found it hard to swallow that one could be tortured in prison for just singing to brighten oneself during extreme oppression. In that vein, sacrifice and the need for strong resolve became valuable traits for those who survived and for those who did not.

STUDENT’S POST #2

Ryan Finnegan,

Module 6 illustrated the will of the South African people and their continued struggle against apartheid, an oppressive government, and an unjust legal/police/government system. The readings highlighted another lengthy court battle and imprisonment that Mandela faced, however, this go around he opted to defend himself. This allowed him to enhance his symbolism of dedication to the African people. Also, dawning the traditional African attire showed the country he was carrying the weight of their history and future on his shoulders. As a bonus it made those in the courtroom fighting against him, to include the warden, very uncomfortable. While Mandela was sentenced to 5 years in prison without the possibility of parole, he never gave up and quit fighting. He used that time to continue to do what he could for the fight while behind bars. Mandela shows us that no matter what our current situation is in life, you can always do something. Many people wait for the right time, place and conditions to take action, and if that changes, they back down. Mandela made movements while in prison, all because he believed in himself and the political mission, he dedicated his life to.

The video demonstrated the power of music, as well as the power of the voice. Music can bond and inspire action as it was evident throughout the movie. It was a source of energy for the youth movement. It was the source of strength and unity for a nation. Furthermore, it also illustrated the power of the voice and how much one person can do. In today’s world of social media and instant connection to thousands of people it can be both powerful, and dangerous. It can be used to educate and make the masses aware of things that are occurring. On the other hand, it can incite violence over an opinion or false narrative. The larger the platform and individual’s status (athlete, celebrity, politician, etc..) the more people will blindly follow them. This is dangerous as we have seen in the recent years. People can push falsehoods and opinions as fact and thousands will follow them. To be honest, it is flat out scary.