It totally fit in with my righteous indignation and college/university politics. I was very pro Brother Nelson Mandela while he was still imprisoned on Robbens Island and very much supported the end to the racist policies of Apartheid - just a bunch of South Africa Nazis who made all of us whites look bad. The fear and ugliness that policy brought to South African society will take years, maybe even generations to abide.
South Africa Away to South Africa
Got to say I ain't gonna play Sun City
Chorus:
I ain't gonna play Sun City
I ain't gonna play Sun City
(Everybody Say)
I ain't gonna play Sun City
(No baby)
I ain't gonna play Sun City
Relocation to phony homelands
Separation of families I can't understand
Twenty three million can't vote 'cause they're black
We're stabbing our brothers and sisters in the back I'm gonna say
Out Government tell us "we're doing all we can"
Constructive engagement is Ronald Reagan's plan
Meanwhile people are dying and giving up hope
This quiet diplomacy ain't nothing but a joke
Chorus:
It's time to accept responsibility
Freedom is a privilege nobody rides for free
Look around the world baby it cannot be denied
Why we're always on the wrong side
Chorus:
Boputhuswana is far away
But we know it's in South Africa no matter what they say
You can't buy me I don't care what you pay
Don't ask me Sun City 'cause I ain't gonna play
Chorus:
Relocation to phony homelands
Separation of families I can't understand
Twenty three million can't vote 'cause they're black
We're stabbing our brothers and sisters in the back I'm gonna say
Chorus:
0n the same topic, I invite you to check out the film 'Invictus' which tells the story of how Nelson Mandela used the World Rugby Championship to unite whites and black after he became president of South Africa. Morgan Freemen and Matt Damon star in a Clint Eastwood directed production.
'Invictus' is a poem by William Ernest Henley (1849 - 1902). It is one of the few things that allowed Nelson Mandela to survive his 27 year imprisonment and plays a large role in the film.
It's just one of those poems that I felt I just had to commit to memory for those times when I need to find the strength inside me to go on and push forward - unafraid. Like the 'Litany Against Fear' from Dune and the final words spoken by Rutger Hauher in 'Blade Runner' - it's on the must memorize list.
Out of the night that covers me,
Black as the Pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul.
In the fell clutch of circumstance
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeoning of chance
My head is bloody, but unbowed.
Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looms but the Horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years
Finds, and shall find, me unafraid.
It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll.
I am the master of my fate:
I am the captain of my soul.
9000 Days
Invictus Movie Trailer
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8 comments:
This movie was amazing. No heavy handedness, no corny/cheesy lines. It's depiction of racism was a nice shade of grey, and Nelson Mandela's idea for uniting the races was brilliant.
I mean, I'm not a big fan of sports in general, and I have no idea if people have thought of it even before Nelson Mandela did, but his idea of using sports as a way for people to connect is genius.
This movie is not only all that you say it is but it's also inspirational. I loved how Mandela had a counter arguement for everyone who expressed critisism for his idea and each time he was able to win them over with the humanity in his logic. He leds by the force of his words instead of his personality. This is who we all need to be emulating.
I had the Sun City EP and remembering it having a few songs (maybe one) with Bono and/or U2. I think "Silver and Gold" and one other was on it.
I can never make it out in the video, but I am pretty sure they dis The Who for playing there. There is a brief flash of what has to be The Who. I'll have to watch again.
True. You can't help but feel inspired by it, and I definitely cheered every time the team achieved a victory.
I also thought Morgan Freeman was good at playing Nelson Mandela. He plays it as this calm leader, never angry when people sneer at or criticise his ideas. You almost forget that it's Morgan Freeman.
Let's not discount how great and understated Matt Damon is in his role as the Rugby team's captain. The scene where he is in the actual cell on Robbens Island that Mandela was imprisoned in gives me a chill each time I see it.
Oh, that was definitely one of the strongest scenes in the movie. I can't imagine what it must've been like, being imprisoned in such a tiny space like that.
Yes, understated is the word to describe Damon's performance. Maybe he was just overshadowed by Freeman?
I loved this song. Here in New Zealand we fought our on fight against apartheid. It tore our country to pieces and created a debate over the "keep politics our of sport". It was a tough time to be growing up. Regularly our tv screens were covered with images of bloody confrontations between riot police and protestors. Familys, friends and communities were divided. You can read about it here...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1981_South_Africa_rugby_union_tour_of_New_Zealand
PS: Bono was such a poser wasn't he? :)
Bono was totally in love with himself back then and was way too impressed with his moody image.
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