In South Africa, I feel I am a stranger, at best an animal.
Oliver TamboRead
The U.S. is the last country that should see itself as an ally of the apartheid system.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote emphasizes that the U.S. should not support oppressive regimes like apartheid given its values of freedom and equality.
Oliver Tambo expresses the belief that the United States, a nation that prides itself on democracy and civil rights, has a moral obligation to oppose systems of oppression such as apartheid. By labeling the U.S. as the last country to view itself as an ally of such a system, Tambo underscores the hypocrisy of supporting any form of institutionalized inequality that contradicts fundamental human rights.
Themes
ApartheidAllianceJusticeFreedomOppressionMoral Obligation
In practice
Example use cases
During a lecture on human rights, this quote can be used to illustrate the importance of standing against oppression.
More from Oliver Tambo
All quotes →The more pressure you bring from without, the less internal pressure is necessary.
Oliver TamboRead
The sanctions will not kill us. It's apartheid that's killing us.
Oliver TamboRead
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?
Oliver TamboRead
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.
Oliver TamboRead
It was becoming clear that, from being at the top at Holy Cross, we were at the bottom at St. Peter's. Objectively, this was very good, for it offered us a challenge and an opportunity to grow if we were ready to take it; and we surely were.
Oliver TamboRead
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