Week 5

COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS - MANDELA: LONG WALK TO FREEDOM & SELMA

Prior to watching both of these films, I knew about the Civil Rights Movement and even some of the "censored" stuff society tends to hide, such as the violence and the sacrifices the leaders, activists, people, and protesters faced. I knew more systematic issues because I've taken many courses dealing with race, gender, and class in the United States while at UT. However, I didn't know much about apartheid in Africa, or the life of Nelson Mandela. I think the movie "Mandela: A Long Walk to Freedom" really put things into perspective for me, and provided me with more information on how hard it really was and must have been as a leader fighting the system that has oppressed you and your people all your life. Selma also gave me more details as to how violent the movement was. Although we tend to focus on just MLK Jr., there are many faces and leaders that helped us progress and thrive towards freedom. I think America and the government tends to just focus on MLK Jr. because he had more peaceful approaches...a way to sort of keep people from retaliating against the government. An example of a leader that isn't talked about in America's history textbooks is Malcolm X. He was a more radical leader and wanted liberation for all people. America and the government saw him and his ways of leading as a threat so he was also assassinated. The Civil Rights Movement was in no way peaceful. You can't expect groups of people who have been oppressed for centuries to not fight back or fight for justice. Both films also made me more grateful for all leaders, people, and activists involved. It was because of them that I have the privilege to have the world's best education and to even be in this country. I wish all people were informed about this information and REAL HISTORY. It's crazy how Black history and even Mexican American history is only taught as electives, yet the censored euro-centric colonial history is mandatory for all students.

Week 4

NELSON MANDELA & DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR.

Both leaders, attained high levels of education which helped their leadership. Nelson Mandela was first in his family to earn an education, while Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was not. During their movement for civil rights and liberation in their countries, they emphasized how important education was and how it was a valuable and priceless tool for growth, freedom, and power. They also were awarded Nobel Peace Prizes for their life long work of activism and human rights. Their legendary hard work and fight for civil rights will forever be honored and remembered. They were visionary leaders who changed the world and reminded us that there is hope in humanity.

Some of my favorite quotes...

"Education is the MOST POWERFUL weapon which you can use to CHANGE the WORLD." -Nelson Mandela

"It always seems impossible until it's DONE." -Nelson Mandela

"Sometimes, it falls upon a generation to be GREAT. You can be that generation. Let your greatness BLOSSOM." -Nelson Mandela

“Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.”  -Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

“Let no man pull you so low as to hate him.”   -Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

“Only in the darkness can you see the stars.”  -Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

“Life's most persistent and urgent question is, 'WHAT ARE YOU DOING FOR OTHERS?'”  -Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

“There is NO GAIN WITHOUT STRUGGLE.”  -Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Week 3

After reading the history of South Africa, it furthered my understanding of how colonialism is deeply rooted in the different disparities and inequalities that not only South Africa or the United States face, but also on a more global and transnational spectrum.The idea that European settlers wanted to divide and conquer. The most challenging obstacle for South Africa, in my opinion, would be recovering from apartheid and having to face the disparities and inequalities resulting from it. A strength the country has for the future, is the democratic philosophies that Nelson Mandela strived for. A current event that was of interest to me were the monthly festivals.

Question for Mr. Gilmour: What inspired you to devote your life to the improvement of other countries? 

Week 2

Reading "Unpacking the Knapsack of Privilege" and the "Who Am I?" article served as self-reflection for me. Peggy McIntosh talked about her own privileges as a white woman in U.S. society. After reading her list of privileges, I came up with a few myself...from being able to attain an education from UT, to even the simplest ones such as having access to clean water. The "Who Am I?" article by Beverly Tatum, really emphasized the structure and stratified systems in our society such as the "dominant" and the "subordinate" groups. Tatum described our society in a nutshell: "Dominant groups, by definition, set the parameters within which the subordinates operate..." This pertains to the bureaucratic and institutional systems in our country. 

After completing the "Sorting Race Activity," the fact that stood out to me the most was COLORBLINDNESS WILL NOT END RACISM. I believe that this is the foundation and the first step to creating social change and to seek racial justice. We must first acknowledge the fact that racism still very much exists and that there are still extreme inequalities and disparities between groups.