After studying physical education for two years, and now currently studying sport and recreation, I am not distanced from the notion of using sport as a lens for important political and cultural issues. The social importance of community development is not exempt from this viewpoint.
The movie Invictus takes place in the period after the fall of apartheid when South Africa hosted the Rugby World cup in 1995. Invictus tells the inspiring true story of how President Nelson Mandela joined forces with rugby captain Francois Pineaar to bridge the racial divide prevalent in the country. Although the movies follows the typical underdog team rising to the top in order to represent meaningful metaphorical things for the country at large, it is inspired by a true story, so stimulated emotions of admiration and satisfaction cannot be denied.
Throughout the movie, Nelson Mandela demonstrates generosity and openness to differences within the community, and with the support of Francois Pineaar, helps to inspire others to greatness. The Springbok rugby team becomes a symbol of the South African community as a whole. The Springbok team has strong leadership in their captain, and demonstrates the importance of altruism and collectiveness when strengthening a community. Through their acceptance of one another, the Springboks are able to "become a shining light in the world," and bring unlikely people together in celebration.
Invictus uses sport to create racial tolerance among a community, and also demonstrates the importance of appreciation for diversity, leadership, and inclusivity in community development. What can be learned from the movie regarding community development is the significance of strong direction from leaders, acceptance of diversity, and inspiration from one another.
Emily I really liked your statement of the Springbok team becoming a symbol of South Africa as a whole. I really think this was key to Mandela's vision as the team already had the support of the Afrikaan minority, it seems it would have been easier to create a new symbol supported by the majority and get the minority on board after. This change in the hearts and minds of the majority in their regard to the Springbok team was key to turning around the nation. I fully agree that inspiration from one another was a keystone in this change and the driving force behind the Springboks victory and Mandela's success.
ReplyDeleteIt's really great how you studied Phys Ed previous to this degree, and are able to recognize issues and possibly trends that others without your background wouldn't be able to. I liked how you noted the importance of sport being used as a tool for "tolerance", that fits this movie and community development to a T. Nice work!
ReplyDeleteI like the clip that you chose from the movie. When I initially watched the movie I didn't identify this speech as important to his cause. I realize now that I made assumptions that was easier for Mandela to appeal to the black Africans because they had a similar experience and as a result the same perspective. Now it is clear that it was how he told his story of extreme circumstance that Nelson Mandela was able to engaged this community to understanding and supporting the Mandela's goal of the unification of South Africa and how everyone would be able to benefit from creating this supportive relationship.
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ReplyDeleteI really agree with your comment regarding the leaders need to be strong. A person like Nelson Mandela was able to not only gain the trust of his people, but prove to the world that race relations should not decide the fate of a continent. Sports ability to bring these types of people together demonstrates how useful a tool it can be in the development of community in these hostile countries.
ReplyDeleteGreat insight! I have also been in the physical education area for many many years, as well as involved with sports. Your examples of Mandela relating to his leadership and the general leadership in sports is awesome. Without a leader bringing the rest of the nation/team together the team will never be as successful.
ReplyDeleteWell said Emily. Mentioning the importance of acceptance was key to South Africa's ability to look beyond the colour barrier and support their national team. Acceptance from a majority group that had to suffer through apartheid to a minority group that implemented it is something nothing short of magical. Vice versa for the white community to accept the coloured community. Also mentioning the 'strong direction by leaders' brings to light it's importance when it comes to community development. Well done!
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