Explorations in Leadership

ITGS 400

Explorations in Leadership

NEED RESPONSES FOR TWO STUDENT’S POSTS

This related for Module 9 (Read Mandela Part 10)

Response Posts: Respond to the posts of at least 2 other students. Each response should be at least 150 words. Statements like "I agree/ don't agree" are not helpful unless they are supported with arguments and reasoning. Remember everyone's right to freedom of speech and the importance of ensuring a safe environment by being respectful: we don't criticize people, we argue thinking.

STUDENT’S POST #1

Christine,

While reading the Autobiography of Nelson Mandela “The long walk to Freedom” I slowly pictured in my head the events and the people in my own way, which is in general what reading stories usually do by triggering our imagination according to the information to certain heights. After watching the movie-documentary of Mandela himself I compared my interpretation of his life from the book and relating his life in person. My thoughts based on the book are pretty loyal to the movie. It was nice to have the chance to see the book brought to life and the characters dynamically sharing those memories of struggle and victory. It’s well appreciated to put faces to the names we’ve been reading about throughout chapters who were actively fighting oppression and standing strong for freedom as a team with Mr. Mandela. Especially when it’s a real story there is always a curious side to hear and see the people involved, and to know if some of them are still alive or so, and to learn more about family members is interesting.

Part Ten reading describes his last journey in prison, with a twist… “The free prisoner” status had a better living situation that included better food, better sleeping conditions, no work and the right to go in and out of the “penthouse” to the rooftop “terrace” as they wished (except when the Warders were at lunch, they must remain inside) and most importantly visitations, unsupervised visitations. (Mandela, 2010, P.515). There was clear improvements in the behavior and treatment towards prisoners with manners and some respect. Mr. Mandela even got daily fieldtrips cruising the city :)

STUDENT’S POST #2

Geena Miles,

This week, we got to view a Movie narrative of Mandela's life and impact on society as well as read part 9 of Long Walk to Freedom, which featured his departure from Robben Island. As we found out, this did not mean his release but rather being housed in a new prison with a few others of the "High Organ", leaders from Robben Island. Of themes observed, I believe resolve is what I saw most of. Although it seems arbitrary, I have been impressed by Mandela's commitment to staying fit and exercising. From his boxing days in Johannesburg, to his days on Robben Island, Mandela made it a goal to continue exercising whenever he noticed himself in need of it, such as when hard labor was ceased on Robben Island. It can be difficult to maintain such activities while in the harsh and confined atmosphere of prison, but no doubt this helped him maintain a better mindset and improved physical health throughout his years.

Another example of resolve is through Mandela's negotiation tactics. Although the ANC had originally planned for forcing the government into negotiating with the ANC, Mandela saw an opportunity to be the one to make the first move. Knowing that there was not enough time to consult his friends and that their reactions would be hesitant at best, he began writing to government officials secretively. It could not have been an easy decision for him to carry on without being able to consult others, but with courage and some faith in himself, he did so with constructive results.