In South Africa, I feel I am a stranger, at best an animal.
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?
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote questions the effectiveness of dialogue with those who refuse to listen and resort to violence.
Oliver Tambo's quote reflects on the futility of communication with individuals entrenched in violent ideologies, especially in the context of apartheid. It suggests that after decades of unsuccessful dialogue, there is skepticism about the potential for peaceful persuasion to change the minds of those who are resolute in their violent ways.
Themes
ViolenceDialogueApartheidPersuasionPolicy
In practice
Example use cases
This quote could be used in a discussion about conflict resolution in global politics.
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The sanctions will not kill us. It's apartheid that's killing us.
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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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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.
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