Apartheid Quotes
This absurd statement was made in the midst of the huge Black protests against the Apartheid regime. It was very similar to what the Southern racist, segregationist politicians of the American South used to say about the Southern Negroes who in their view were only unhappy when the “communist outsiders” talk to the them and incite them.
For centuries whites had dominated and abused the Blacks of South Africa. When the Black majority finally gained power, there were many calls for retribution and justice. However, under Mandela’s influence, South Africa made one of the most successful transitions of power to the majority who had been oppressed. The concentration on the future made South Africa the most successful country in Africa and a model for the world. See {633690} for another of his implementing statements of this principle.
Gahdhi’s early career was in South Africa. What makes this quotation very interesting is that it shows Ghandi---one of the great disciples of brotherhood and equality of all men---had a period when he was outraged that Indians would have Blacks (Kaffirs) located in their neighborhood. It illustrates the personal transition that he made from prejudiced, parochial advocate for a particular ethnic group to an advocate and spokesman for all mankind.
Most American Jews had have grown up with an Israel governed by Jews who came from Europe and were culturally and politically very similar to Americans and shared similar values. Almost all Israeli policies were comfortable and understandable t American Jews. However, in the 15 years prior to this quotation, a major political shift took place in Israel and the dominant political faction shifted to first and second generation Jews who were forced out of various Muslim counties of the Middle East. These Jews were much closer to Arabs and the Muslims of the Middle East culturally and actually shared many values like vengeance, intimidation, and group and family guilt to keep enemies in check. They also understand the Arabs at a deeper level that their European culture countrymen do and were much more pessimistic about any solution whereby the Arabs would accept a Jewish State’s existence. Their political approach to suppression of the Palestinians and maintaining security for the citizens of Israel and their disrespect for Arab humanity made many American Jews estranged from the Israeli leadership just as they have been estranged from the Arab leadership and culture.
