Those who invest in South Africa should not think they are doing us a favor; they are here for what they get out of our cheap and abundant labor, and they should know that they are buttressing one of the most vicious systems.
Interpretation
Desmond Tutu emphasizes that foreign investment in South Africa is driven by profit and exploitation rather than altruism.
In this quote, Desmond Tutu critiques the notion that foreign investors are helping South Africa. He argues that their investments are primarily motivated by the benefits they derive from cheap labor, and by doing so, they perpetuate an oppressive system rather than support the country's development. This perspective highlights the complexities of economic relationships and the ethical considerations that come with investments in marginalized communities.
In practice
This quote can be used in a discussion on ethical investment practices at a business conference.
The fossil reserves that have already been discovered exceed what can ever be safely used. Yet companies spend half a trillion dollars each year searching for more fuel. They should redirect this money toward developing clean energy solutions
As much as the world has an instinct for evil and is a breeding ground for genocide, holocaust, slavery, racism, war, oppression, and injustice, the world has an even greateer instinct for goodness, rebirth, mercy, beauty, truth, freedom and love.
When the missionaries came to Africa they had the Bible and we had the land. They said 'Let us pray.' We closed our eyes. When we opened them we had the Bible and they had the land.
Children are a wonderful gift. They have an extraordinary capacity to see into the heart of things and to expose sham and humbug for what they are.
Religion is like a knife: you can either use it to cut bread, or stick in someone's back.
Gaza is going to test who believes in the worth of human beings.
Imagine one day, the hateful world around you collapses. And it is your attitude, words and actions that put an end to it. Will you be excited?
It watches," he added suddenly. "The house. It watches every move you make.
Who can leap the world's ties and sit with me among white clouds?
The treasure I have found cannot be described in words, the mind cannot conceive of it.
Advertising is the rattling of a stick inside a swill bucket.
That however the brains and abilities of men may differ, their stomachs are essentially the same.
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