I've been shocked at some of the reaction to the death of Nelson Mandela in this country. Maybe it's because I've been to South Africa (even to Mandela's house), and I've seen the way that entire country lionized him in life, let alone death. And maybe it's because I've been to the Apartheid museum in South Africa, and watched hours of shocking pro-Apartheid video. It was a life changing experience for me. America may have a racist past (even after slavery was abolished), and a racially-divided present, but South Africa was 50 times worse.
Apartheid repulsed the world.
So, yes, I've been shocked at the vitriolic ripping of the man who helped end Apartheid. Some Americans, apparently, are still mad about his ties to communism or violence fifty or sixty years ago. I want to ask everyone saying those things one simple question. Have you actually forgotten what he was fighting against?
And by the way, once he was released from prison he worked to bring the races together. He did not seek retribution against the people who imprisoned him for 27 years. He also didn't form a communist government, and he had the chance to do so as the duly elected head of state.
And yet, some of our pundits, commentators, and elected representatives angrily call him a terrorist while HIS entire country (black AND white) mourns his death.
How incredibly weird.
