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.
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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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