In South Africa, I feel I am a stranger, at best an animal.
The violence associated with the A.N.C. is minimal, infinitesimal next to the violence of the apartheid regime.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote emphasizes that the violence committed by the African National Congress (A.N.C.) is insignificant compared to the brutality of apartheid.
Oliver Tambo's quote highlights the severe disparity in the level of violence perpetrated by the apartheid regime in South Africa compared to that of the African National Congress. It suggests that while any violence is regrettable, the context of systemic oppression and violence under apartheid renders the A.N.C.'s resistance response minimal in comparison. This statement is a call for understanding the broader historical situation and the justifications for the actions taken by those fighting against an oppressive regime.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech addressing the history of social justice movements.
More from Oliver Tambo
All quotes βThe more pressure you bring from without, the less internal pressure is necessary.
The sanctions will not kill us. It's apartheid that's killing us.
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?
The U.S. is the last country that should see itself as an ally of the apartheid system.
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.
Similar quotes
The United States is squandering international prestige and goodwill and intensifying global anti-American terrorism by unofficially condoning or abetting the Israeli confiscation and colonization of Palestinian territories.
We are now vibrating between too much and too little government, and the pendulum will rest finally in the middle.
These niggaz ain't thugs, the real thugs is the government._x000D_ _x000D_ Don't matter if you Independent, Democrat or Republican,_x000D_ _x000D_ Niggaz politickin' the street, get into beef,_x000D_ _x000D_ Start blastin'...now a new cat is executive chief.
Fighting corruption is not just good governance. It's self-defense. It's patriotism.
'Get along, go along' is not an inspirational philosophy, and only God knows how much moral cowardice it has covered up over the years. Serve your time, collect your chits, and cash 'em in for your home state? No, I'd say we could ask for more than that from our senators.
The world will not accept dictatorship or domination.