3/5/10

Invictus - The movie

Watching this movie definitely leads to some contemplations of topics mentioned..

The existence of such a pathetic regime of racial discrimination is truly a disgrace onto the world, but at least... the world did something to bring down such a pathetic thing .... Another similar regime still exists, with the world doing nothing...

Other than the portrayal of the legendary personality of Nelson Mandela (This is nice: http://www.nelsonmandela.org/index.php/memory/views/biography/), and the leadership genius in utilizing the ultimate team experience to contribute to the collective spirit of the new nation, there were some nice statements:

  • "Never, never and never again shall it be that this beautiful land will again experience the oppression of one by another and suffer the indignity of being the skunk of the world. Let freedom reign.”

I really liked the words 'Skunk of the world' .. very catchy, so racist regimes are 'skunk of the world' ..... OK .. Instead of the word 'Israel' we can refer to it as the 'the zionist occupying world skunk regime' .... maybe too long ... keep Israel as a code word for a while, and I will try to come up with another name ...

While watching the movie and listening to some of the words of Mandela, specifically about peaceful struggle, I was reminded of similar statements by Ghandi, and I couldnt help thinking whether peaceful can be a luxury.. A luxury that can be used in situations where the whole world is willing to stand by you and fight your battle of liberation and against racism and injustice (South Africa's case) or in situations where the occupying / colonialist regime is willing to at least adhere to the minimum of humane principles and values (India) ??

The poem (which reminded me of "The song of the giant" published previously on this blog):



Invictus


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 bludgeonings 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.



William Ernest Henley