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Olivia Kroah
Mrs. Barnes
English 112
6 April 2015
Appreciation of Deviation
In todays society individuals are judged and even bullied by how they choose to express
themselves. Some are harassed by their appearance, choice of style, and even who their friends
are. This is a microcosm of discrimination. As some may think the injustice of human beings has
vanished in 2015, it is not completely gone. In South Africa, men and women are rejected and
shunned just by the color of their skin. Although as time progresses, steps are being put forth to
end segregation and make the world a happier place for all humans of any race.
On March 21, 1960 the Sharpeville Massacre killed many non-white south Africans. This
violent outrage from the protesters was their voice against the apartheid. Ndumiso Shabalala, an
entrepreneur from Hillbrow, believes that racism still exists today: White people are still
pushing the social illusion that who and what they stand for should be the standard for everyone that is why Sharpeville happened; it was a direct rebellion against white standards. They
believed, and some still do, that black people are inferior and even black people have bought into
this illusion (Excluding People). As some may disagree with this statement, the Sharpeville
Massacre was a turning point in the fight to end the apartheid. The ones who were shot, died with
faith in their hearts and pride in who they were. This event opened the eyes of many citizens in
South Africa and resulted in the freedom of movement for everyone.
During all this chaos, one man pushed the laws of segregation and fought for the end of
discrimination. Nelson Mandela, remembered as a hero to all people, was a part of an anti-

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apartheid group known as the African National Congress (Heroic Life). He took many steps to
help blacks win against the apartheid. Although, his work landed him life in prison after he was
accused of trying to help overthrow the government. This man never stopped trying to help the
people, But even from his prison cell on Robben Island, Mandela fought for justice, even if he
was locked up in a jail cell (Heroic Life). At the age of 71, Nelson Mandela was freed from
prison. Then shortly after he was elected President of South Africa. He changed the face of
discrimination and peoples lives throughout the country.
Finally in 1994, the apartheid era came to an end (After Freedom). As of today, South
Africa is a democratic nation with all voices speaking out together. Though, dont let this title
fool you. Whites and non-whites are still slightly divided. Whites tend to live in restricted and
segregated suburbs with little conversion with the non-whites (After Freedom). While the
others are living in harmful and poor conditions. This division of races has affected society for
many years and still does today.
Looking back in history, segregation has impacted humanity immensely and affected
many individuals as well. The non-whites of South Africa would have never thought of seeing a
day where blacks were finally accepted in any community. Nor would they have ever imagined
seeing an African American President run a country. As the people of today look beyond any
humans indifferences, the memory of those killed fighting in honor of their human rights will
never be forgotten. Stand up for what you believe in because everyones voice matters. Stand up
for those who cant stand up for themselves. Stand up with courage and bravery. Stand up.

Work Cited
"After Freedom: The Rise of the Post-Apartheid Generation in Democratic South Africa."
Publishers Weekly27 Jan. 2014: 178+. Student Resources in Context. Web. 6 Apr. 2015.

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"A heroic life: Nelson Mandela is remembered worldwide as a champion of equality." Scholastic
News/Weekly Reader Edition 5/6 13 Jan. 2014: 6+. Student Resources in Context. Web. 5
Apr. 2015.
Pontsho, Pilane. "Excluding People From Public Spaces, From Sharpeville to Maboneng
[opinion]." Africa News Service 23 Mar. 2015. Global Issues in Context. Web. 24 Mar.
2015.

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