# Chapter Notes: Democracy and Human Rights

This document provides a comprehensive analysis of the key concepts, vocabulary, and historical context of Nelson Mandela's inauguration speech and the broader themes of democracy and human rights.

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## Ways with Words

### A. Vocabulary Definitions

* **apartheid**: The system that completely separated black people from white people.
* **protest**: A formal objection.
* **tribe**: An ethnical group of people.
* **campaign**: An act undertaken to achieve a set goal.
* **inauguration**: The formal beginning of any movement.
* **exhilaration**: A strong feeling of excitement and happiness.
* **emancipation**: Being set free from legal, social, or political restrictions.

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### B. Vocabulary in Context

* **liberty**: The state of being free within society from oppressive restrictions imposed by authority on one's way of life, behavior, or political views.
* **conflict**: A serious disagreement or argument, typically a protracted one.
* **ideology**: A system of ideas and ideals, especially one which forms the basis of economic or political theory and policy.
* **oppression**: Prolonged cruel or unjust treatment or exercise of authority.
* **privilege**: A special right, advantage, or immunity granted or available only to a particular person or group.
* **dignity**: The state or quality of being worthy of honor or respect.
* **surrender**: To stop resisting an enemy or opponent and submit to their authority.
* **reconciliation**: The restoration of friendly relations.

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### C. Pronunciation of the ‘-ed’ Suffix

| /t/ | /d/ | /ɪd/ |
| :--- | :--- | :--- |
| asked | killed | ended |
| missed | smiled | decided |
| washed | enjoyed | visited |
| watched | | lasted |
| picked | | wanted |
| fixed | | |
| walked | | |
| blessed (verb) | | |
| brushed | | |
| stopped | | |
| reached | | |
| laughed | | |

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### D. Pronunciation of the Plural ‘-s/-es’ Suffix

| /s/ (voiceless) | /z/ (voiced) | /ɪz/ (sibilant) |
| :--- | :--- | :--- |
| cats | dogs | horses |
| books | boys | houses |
| roofs | rooms | noises |
| shops | girls | pages |
| | trees | benches |
| | babies | classes |

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## Comprehension

### Answer the Following Questions

**a. What were the restrictions imposed on the Blacks in South Africa?**
Under the system of apartheid in South Africa, Black people faced severe restrictions, including racial segregation in all public facilities, political disenfranchisement (denial of the right to vote), economic discrimination, and laws that controlled their movement and place of residence.

**b. Why was Mandela arrested?**
Nelson Mandela was arrested for his role as a leader in the African National Congress (ANC) and its armed wing, Umkhonto we Sizwe. He was charged with sabotage and conspiring to overthrow the apartheid state.

**c. How did he describe racism and racial oppression?**
In his speech, he described racism and racial oppression as a "pernicious ideology and practice," highlighting their evil and destructive nature.

**d. Why did he thank all the international guests?**
He thanked the international guests for their presence, which he described as an act of solidarity. Their attendance symbolized the world's acceptance of the new, democratic South Africa and its victory for justice, peace, and human dignity, marking an end to the country's international isolation.

**e. Why did he think that people in his country had achieved political emancipation?**
He believed the people had achieved **political emancipation** because they had won the right to govern themselves through a free and fair democratic process. He viewed this as the crucial first step that would enable them to pursue the broader goal of liberating all citizens from the "bondage of poverty, deprivation, suffering, gender and other discrimination."

**f. What is the main point of Mandela's speech?**
The main point of Mandela's speech is to celebrate the birth of a new, non-racial democracy in South Africa and to call for unity and reconciliation. He urges all South Africans, regardless of race, to work together to build a society founded on justice, peace, equality, and respect for the dignity of every individual.

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## Critical Thinking

### a. What does Mandela mean when he says - "a rainbow nation at peace with itself and the world"?

Mandela's phrase "a rainbow nation" is a powerful and enduring metaphor for the post-apartheid South Africa he envisioned. A rainbow is composed of many different colors, coexisting harmoniously to create something beautiful. By using this image, Mandela meant that South Africa's strength and beauty would come from the unity of its diverse racial, cultural, and ethnic groups—including Black, White, Coloured, and Indian people. He was calling for an end to the division and conflict of the past and urging citizens to embrace their diversity as a source of national pride.

Furthermore, a rainbow often appears after a storm, symbolizing hope and a bright future. For South Africa, the "storm" was the brutal era of apartheid. The "rainbow nation" thus represents the hope for a peaceful and prosperous future that could emerge from a dark and violent past. Being "at peace with itself" signifies a society that has healed its internal wounds through reconciliation, and "at peace with the world" signifies its re-acceptance into the global community as a just and democratic state.

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### b. Mandela should have avenged those who imprisoned him. Instead, he followed the path of reconciliation. Why?

Nelson Mandela’s decision to pursue reconciliation instead of revenge was a profoundly strategic and visionary choice, rooted in his understanding of what was necessary to build a stable and unified nation. Had he sought vengeance against his former oppressors, he would have likely plunged South Africa into a devastating cycle of violence and civil war, tearing apart the very society he had fought to liberate.

Mandela recognized several key truths:
1.  **National Unity was Paramount**: A functional democracy could not be built on a foundation of retribution. For the nation to move forward, all groups, including the white minority who still controlled the economy and military, needed to feel they had a place in the new South Africa.
2.  **The Cycle of Violence**: Revenge would only perpetuate the hatred and division that defined apartheid. Reconciliation was the only path to break this cycle and establish a lasting peace.
3.  **Moral and Political Leadership**: By choosing forgiveness, Mandela set a powerful moral example. This act of magnanimity demonstrated immense strength and established his credibility not just as a leader for Black South Africans, but as a president for all South Africans.

His path of reconciliation was not a sign of weakness but of immense foresight. It was a pragmatic decision to prioritize the future of his nation over any personal desire for vengeance, ensuring a peaceful transition to democracy.

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### c. Segregation in the world and in your society.

Segregation, the systematic separation of people based on race, class, caste, or ethnicity, has been a persistent and destructive force in societies worldwide. It is enforced through discriminatory laws, social barriers, and economic restrictions, leading to inequality and conflict. Historically, the most infamous example is South Africa's apartheid, but racial segregation also has a long and painful history in the United States. Beyond race, societies have struggled with religious segregation and the isolation of ethnic minorities. In all its forms, segregation denies a group's fundamental human rights and creates deep societal divisions that can lead to violence and instability.

In my own society, Nepal, evidence of segregation persists despite being constitutionally outlawed. The most prominent form is rooted in the traditional Hindu caste system. Although the law prohibits caste-based discrimination, deep-seated social hierarchies continue to affect people's lives, particularly in rural areas. The so-called "lower" castes, especially Dalits, still face discrimination in housing, employment, and social interactions, including restrictions on entering temples or using communal water sources. While Nepal is a multicultural and multi-ethnic nation, this underlying caste structure has historically created a form of social segregation that continues to be a significant challenge to achieving true equality for all citizens.

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## Writing

### a. Biography of a Nepali Freedom Fighter: Ganesh Man Singh

Ganesh Man Singh, born on November 9, 1915, stands as an icon of Nepal's struggle for democracy and is revered as the commander of the historic 1990 Janaandolan (People's Movement). A man of unwavering integrity and immense courage, his life was dedicated to freeing Nepal from autocratic rule.

Singh's political journey began with his involvement in the movement against the Rana regime, an autocratic family dynasty that ruled Nepal for over a century. For his activism, he was sentenced to life imprisonment but made a legendary escape from prison in 1944. He became one of the principal leaders of the Nepali Congress party and was instrumental in the 1951 revolution that finally overthrew the Ranas and ushered in an era of democracy. However, this democratic period was short-lived. In 1960, King Mahendra dissolved the parliament and banned political parties, imprisoning Singh once again.

After his release, Ganesh Man Singh never wavered in his commitment to restoring democracy. He spent decades organizing, protesting, and uniting political forces. His leadership culminated in the 1990 Janaandolan, a mass uprising that forced the king to lift the ban on political parties and accept a constitutional monarchy. In a remarkable act of selflessness, he declined the offer to become Prime Minister, instead choosing to remain a guiding figure for the nation.

For his immense contribution to democracy and human rights, Ganesh Man Singh was honored with the prestigious United Nations Human Rights Award in 1993, the first statesman from South Asia to receive it. He remains an immortal figure in Nepali history, a "Father of Democracy" whose legacy of sacrifice and incorruptible leadership continues to inspire the nation.

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## Grammar: Modals (should, shouldn't, had better)

### B. Complete with *should* or *shouldn't*

a. You have really done a wonderful job. I recommend you **shouldn’t quit** it.
b. That's a very dangerous area. Tourists **shouldn’t visit** there.
c. I'm going to be late. Do you think I **should leave** now?
d. Children **shouldn’t drink** sugary drinks. It's not very healthy.
e. I have lots of homework. I **shouldn’t roam** here and there today.

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### C. Put in *had better* or *should*

a. I think you **should** learn English to enroll in a university course.
b. It's a great film. You **should** go and see it.
c. I have to meet my friend in ten minutes. I **'d better** go now or I'll be late.
d. These biscuits are delicious. You **should** try one.
e. We **'d better** get to the airport by 2 pm or else we may miss the flight.
f. When people are driving, they **should** keep their eyes on the road.
g. I **should** get up early tomorrow. I've got a lot to do.