In South Africa, I feel I am a stranger, at best an animal.
Oliver TamboRead
For decades, we resisted violence - until Sharpeville.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote reflects the struggle against oppression and the turning point towards resistance when peaceful means fail.
Oliver Tambo's quote highlights a significant moment in the history of liberation movements, particularly the reaction to the Sharpeville massacre in South Africa. It emphasizes that for many years, non-violent resistance was the chosen path of the oppressed; however, the brutality faced in Sharpeville marked a pivotal shift where the struggle against injustice escalated. This statement encapsulates the painful decision to embrace violence as a means of fighting back when peaceful efforts are met with extreme violence.
Themes
ViolenceResistanceOppressionChangeSharpeville
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about the history of civil rights movements.
More from Oliver Tambo
All quotes βThe more pressure you bring from without, the less internal pressure is necessary.
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The sanctions will not kill us. It's apartheid that's killing us.
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How do you deal with a criminal that will not listen to what you have to say and who continues his policy of violence? Some say you continue to talk and let him tire himself out. But nearly 40 years after the institution of apartheid, is there anyone who still believes that verbal persuasion will work?
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The U.S. is the last country that should see itself as an ally of the apartheid system.
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It was of limited usefulness to head great rallies. The government did not listen, and, soon enough, the tear gas and the muzzles of the guns were turned against the people. The justice of our cries went unrecognized.
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