Nelson Mandela

(http://www.jstor.org/pss/2623901)

In my opinion a hero is someone with qualities admired by society. Nelson Mandela is a hero because he is admired by the South African society. Nelson Mandela’s journey began in 1943 when he joined the African National Congress as an activist. He was steadfast in working toward democracy in his country. He later became the founder of ANC Youth League. In 1952 he became a lawyer and started his own practice with a partner (Oliver Tambo). Mr. Mandela campaigned against apartheid and was later arrested for high treason. There were also 155 people arrested for following Mandela’s lead. This is when he began to have more followers. The charges were dropped four years later. But, Mandela has everyone’s attention. This was demonstrated when the people in South Africa go out on a riot to protest the government to release Nelson Mandela. While Vice President of the NCA, Mandela countered with a peaceful campaign of “economic sabotage”. Mandela goes in prison for almost 25 years for what he believes. This demonstrates how brave he is. His society appreciates bravery, and he gave his life for the society. This was shown as they helped him when he went against the government. While he was in prison, his mother died and a few days later his brother also died in a car accident. Mandela was not allowed to attend the funerals. This didn’t prevent Mandela from fighting for his country right. Mandela’s fight did not stop even in prison; he was trying different ways to make his country free from the settlers. This was demonstrated when he told the journalists, he said, “I have cherished the ideal of a democratic and free society in which all persons live together in harmony and with equal opportunities” (Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela). After coming out from prison, the country rallied behind him, then elected him as the South African president. His life is a testimony to the world that one person can start a movement that affects the world. Bravery is one example of heroic quality, so this makes Nelson Mandela a hero.

Nelson Mandela is my hero because he has done a lot of good things for his society. Nelson Mandela worked hard to make blacks equal to whites. Moreover, he helped his country to be free from the European colonies. Mandela’s movement opened a way for African countries to make themselves free from the settlers. It also proved that one brave person is enough to make a difference. This makes Mandela a hero furthermore, unforgettable in the world history.