Democracy and Human Rights (Inauguration Speech of Nelson Mandela)

Find the words in the text that mean the same as the following. The first letters are given

1. the system that completely separated black people from white people = apartheid
2. formal objection = protest
3. an ethnical group of people = tribe
4. an act undertaken to achieve a set goal = campaign
5. the formal beginning of any movement = inauguration
6. a strong feeling of excitement and happiness = exhilaration
7. being set free from legal, social, or political restrictions = emancipation

Find these words in a dictionary and write their meanings as they are used in the text

liberty, conflict, ideology, oppression, privilege, dignity, surrender, reconciliation

The 'd' or 'ed' in the following verbs have different pronunciation. Put these verbs in the correct box.

asked, killed, missed, ended, decided, washed, visited, lasted, watched, picked, smiled, fixed, walked, blessed, brushed, stopped, wanted, reached, laughed, enjoyed

Put these nouns into the correct box according to the pronunciation of the plural suffix: s/es.

cats, dogs, horses, houses, books, roofs, boys, rooms, girls, noises, shops, trees, pages, babies, benches, classes

Answer these questions.

a. What were the restrictions imposed on the Blacks in South Africa?

The restrictions imposed on the Blacks in South Africa were apartheid policies that governed relations between South Africa's white minority and nonwhite majority, and sanctioned racial segregation and political and economic discrimination against nonwhites.

b. Why was Mandela arrested?

Mandela was arrested for organizing an armed wing of the African National Congress (ANC) and opposing the apartheid policies of the ruling National Party.

c. How did he describe racism and racial oppression?

Mandela described racism and racial oppression as an "extraordinary human disaster" and a system of injustice that denied equal rights to all people in South Africa.

d. Why did he thank all the international guests?

Mandela thanked all the international guests because their presence and support had helped to bring about the end of apartheid and the birth of a new, democratic South Africa.

e. Why did he think that people in his country had achieved political emancipation?

Mandela thought that people in his country had achieved political emancipation because they had successfully fought against apartheid and had the opportunity to participate in the first national election that was open to all South Africans.

f. What is the main point of Mandela’s speech?

The main point of Mandela's speech was to celebrate the birth of a new, democratic South Africa and to call on all citizens to work together to build a society that is just, peaceful, and respectful of the dignity of all people.

Critical thinking

What does Mandela mean when he says - a rainbow nation at peace with itself and the world?

Nelson Mandela, in his inaugural speech, spoke about his vision for a new South Africa that is united, diverse, and harmonious. He referred to this vision as "a rainbow nation at peace with itself and the world."

The term "rainbow nation" suggests a society that is made up of people from many different backgrounds and cultures, just as a rainbow is made up of many different colors. This image conveys a sense of unity and diversity, as it suggests that all of the different parts of society come together to create a beautiful and harmonious whole.

The phrase "at peace with itself" refers to the idea that the country should be able to live in harmony and unity within its own borders, without conflict or division. This is especially important given the history of South Africa, which was marked by the racial segregation and oppression of apartheid. By achieving peace within its own borders, South Africa can move forward and build a more just and equitable society.

The phrase "at peace with the world" refers to the idea that South Africa should be able to engage in positive and constructive relationships with other nations and contribute to global peace and stability. In this way, Mandela's vision of a rainbow nation at peace with itself and the world represents a hopeful and inspiring future for South Africa, one in which all citizens can live together in harmony and work together to build a better world for all.

Mandela should have avenged on those who imprisoned him for such a long period. Instead, he followed the path of reconciliation. Why do you think he did so?

There are several reasons why Nelson Mandela may have chosen to follow the path of reconciliation rather than seeking revenge for the 27 years he spent in prison.

First, Mandela believed in the principles of nonviolence and peaceful resistance. He was a leader in the African National Congress (ANC), which was committed to using nonviolent methods to resist apartheid and achieve political change. Mandela himself followed this philosophy throughout his life, even when he was imprisoned and subjected to harsh treatment. He believed that violence and revenge would only lead to more suffering and would not bring about lasting change.

Second, Mandela understood that the transition to a new, democratic South Africa would require healing and reconciliation among the country's diverse communities. After decades of racial segregation and conflict, there were deep divisions and mistrust among different racial groups. Mandela recognized that true reconciliation would involve acknowledging the wrongs of the past, apologizing for them, and working together to build a more just and equitable society. He believed that the only way to achieve lasting peace and unity was through forgiveness and reconciliation, rather than retribution and revenge.

Finally, Mandela was a visionary leader who saw the bigger picture and was able to rise above personal animosity and resentment. He recognized that the future of South Africa depended on the ability of all its citizens to work together and build a better future. He was willing to put aside his own personal feelings and focus on the greater good of his country, even if that meant sacrificing his own sense of justice and retribution. In this way, Mandela's decision to follow the path of reconciliation was a brave and selfless act that helped to lay the foundation for a new, democratic South Africa.

Why and how have societies struggled with segregation in the world? Do you find any evidence of segregation in your society? Discuss.

Segregation refers to the separation or isolation of people based on their race, ethnicity, religion, or other characteristics. Societies throughout history have struggled with segregation in various ways, as it has often been used as a means of oppression and discrimination.

One example of segregation in the world is the system of apartheid that was practiced in South Africa from 1948 to 1994. Under apartheid, the government implemented policies that institutionalized racial segregation and discrimination against the nonwhite majority. This included laws that restricted the movements and rights of nonwhite people, as well as policies that separated people based on their race in housing, education, and other areas of life. The struggle against apartheid in South Africa was a long and difficult one, and it ultimately required the efforts of people around the world to bring about change.

Other examples of segregation in the world include the Jim Crow laws in the United States, which enforced racial segregation in many parts of the country until the 1960s, and the caste system in India, which has long divided people into distinct social and economic classes based on their birth.

In my society, there is evidence of segregation based on various factors. For example, some communities are racially or ethnically diverse than others, and this can lead to segregation and unequal opportunities for certain groups of people. There are also instances of segregation based on religion, socio-economic status, or other characteristics. While my society has made progress in reducing segregation and promoting equality, there is still work to be done to address these issues and create a more inclusive and just society.

Writing

Nepal has topsy-turvy political history. Many changes have been observed in different times. Write a short biography of any Nepali freedom fighter incorporating the changes brought under his/her leadership.

B. P. Koirala

One example of a Nepali freedom fighter who brought about significant changes in the country is B. P. Koirala. Born in 1914, Koirala was a leader in the Nepali Congress party and a prominent advocate for democracy and human rights in Nepal.

In 1950, Koirala was arrested and imprisoned for his political activities, but he continued to fight for freedom and democracy even while in prison. After his release in 1952, he worked to build a strong grassroots movement that eventually led to the overthrow of the Rana dynasty and the establishment of a democratic government in Nepal.

Under Koirala's leadership, Nepal underwent significant political and social changes. He worked to introduce reforms that improved the rights and freedoms of Nepali citizens, and he also encouraged economic development and modernization in the country.

In 1959, Koirala was elected as the prime minister of Nepal, and he served in that role for several years. During his time in office, he continued to work for the betterment of the Nepali people and for the establishment of a more just and democratic society.

Koirala's leadership and dedication to the cause of freedom and democracy had a lasting impact on Nepal and helped to shape the country's political landscape for decades to come.

Do you think there is racial/caste related discrimination in our country? Discuss with your friend; write a five-minute speech.

Friend Dibas,

I think that there is racial and caste-related discrimination in Nepal, although it may not be as overt or institutionalized as it is in some other countries.

One example of racial discrimination in Nepal is the discrimination faced by people of certain ethnicities, such as the Dalits or "untouchables," who have historically been marginalized and discriminated against because of their lower social status. Despite progress in recent years, many Dalits still face barriers to education, employment, and other opportunities because of their background.

Another form of discrimination in Nepal is related to caste. The caste system in Nepal divides people into distinct social and economic classes based on their birth, and this can lead to discrimination against those who are considered to be lower castes. For example, people from lower castes may be denied access to certain jobs or opportunities because of their caste, and they may also face discrimination and social stigma from those who are considered to be of higher castes.

Overall, I think that discrimination based on race and caste is a problem in Nepal, and it is important for all of us to work towards a more inclusive and equal society. By standing up against discrimination and working to promote understanding and acceptance, we can help to create a better future for all Nepali people.

Grammar

Complete the sentences with should or shouldn't. Use one of these verbs.

drink, visit, leave, roam, quit

1. You have really done a wonderful job. I recommend you shouldn't leave it.
2. That's a very dangerous area. Tourists shouldn't visit there.
3. I'm going to be late. Do you think I show leave now?
4. Children shouldn't drink sugary drinks. It's not very healthy.
5. I have lots of homework. I shouldn't roam here and there today.

Put in had better or should.

1. I think you should learn English to enroll a university course.
2. It's a great film. You should go and see it.
3. I have to meet my friend in ten minutes. I had better go now or I'll be late.
4. These biscuits are delicious. You should try one.
5. We had better get to the airport by 2 pm or else we may miss the flight.
6. When people are driving, they should keep their eyes on the road.
7. I should get up early tomorrow. I've got a lot to do.

The phrases "should" and "had better" are both used to give advice or make recommendations.

"Should" is used to express a recommendation or suggestion, and it suggests that it is a good idea to take a particular action. For example:

• You should eat a healthy diet.
• We should save more money for the future.
• You should go to bed early tonight.

"Had better" is used to express a stronger recommendation or warning, and it suggests that it is important to take a particular action in order to avoid a negative outcome. For example:

• You had better finish your homework before dinner.
• We had better leave early to avoid traffic.
• You had better not be late for the meeting.

In general, "should" is used to give more general advice or recommendations, while "had better" is used to express a stronger sense of urgency or importance.