What Do You Stand For?

Our first principle, The Inherent Worth and Dignity of Every Person, is a great principle to look up to and strive to maintain. I take pride in aiming to uphold it. But how am I doing? If I dare to be brutally honest, not very well. I constantly criticize and look down on those who don’t see things the way I do. I demean what they say or do and point out how ridiculous, ignorant or destructive they are. I pity their ignorance; I know that in many ways I am a better human being than they are.

Sometimes , I pull myself together and remind the guy in the mirror that I am better than that. Fortunately, there are many sources we can look to for inspiration to guide us to treat others, including those we see as horrible people, with respect and dignity.

Nelson Mandella is a great example. A victim of apartheid, he became a member and eventual leader of the anti-apartheid African National Congress which spent years protesting and opposing it peacefully. The South Africa government responded with increasing and extensive acts of violence. This led some in the ANC to commit violence against physical symbols of apartheid. That eventually led to Mandella being sentenced to life in prison. While in jail he reflected on his life and priorities and chose not to harden his hatred but to adapt to his circumstances and find ways to benefit from them. What was hardened was his commitment to end apartheid and finding ways to do so sustainably.

He devoted his time to learning about other revolutions and strategies that worked. As a trained lawyer, he studied various techniques to overcome. It became clear that ending apartheid required resolve on both sides. He learned that the power of forgiveness was invaluable and essential, that unity is a key element to ensure sustained progress. After over 15 years in jail, he was offered a release if he denounced the ANC. He chose not to accept because that did not align with his principles.

Because of worldwide exposure of the inequity of apartheid and those who were supporting it, in time it ended, and Mandella was released after 27 years. This previously USA designated terrorist became the first black president of South Africa and he and the former president F.W de Klerk were awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. One of Mandella’s biggest internal struggles was with those in the ANC who, now in power, wanted to punish their former oppressors. Mandela said “we will not be like them, we will be the way we would like the world to be” which led to the formation of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission that allowed both sides to speak publicly about what they had gone through and facilitated healing and a more inclusive democracy. Mandella resigned after one term as president so that those whom he had trained could carry on.

While our lives and histories have not been the same as his, we continue to be faced with difficulties, opposition, challenges, and hardships. Reflecting on his life encourages one to remember who we are and what we stand for, and to never waver. Striving to honor The Inherent Worth and Dignity of Every Person also gives us inner satisfaction, the joy of experiencing the outcome, and empowers those who see it to do the same.

–Markly Wilson