The ecological challenges ahead of us are of epic proportions. We can learn a lot by studying successful revolutions that have come before us. In this episode, you’ll hear 10 lessons for Eco-Leaders from the struggle to overcome apartheid in South Africa, as told in the movie Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom.
Green Team Academy Podcast with Joan Gregerson
Episode 23
[1:00] Our education systems don’t teach us about representation or revolution.
[1:15] Historically, there is a tendency for power to be concentrated in the hands of the few, at the expense of the many.
[1:30] It is no less of a challenge than overcoming slavery, genocide, or apartheid.
[2:00] You can’t compare 1-to-1 the suffering and injustice of apartheid to the collapse of ecological systems, but there are some similarities.
[2:15] What could be more unjust than taking away the opportunity for future generations to inhabit a liveable world.
[2:30] We can learn a lot from studying how huge entrenched problems were overcome.
[2:50] Takeaways from the film: Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom
[3:00] Not on Netflix. Check the library or wherever you watch movies.
[3:15] 10 Lessons for Eco-Leaders from the film Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom
[3:30] 1. Individually we are weak. Together we are strong. (with open hand vs closed fist image)
[4:00] 2. Welcome the challenges. They will help you become who you need to be.
[4:45] 3. Remind people that the end result you desire is inevitable.
[5:25] 4. Don’t turn on each other.
[6:40] 5. Allies matter.
[7:00] 6. Follow the money.
[7:50] 7. Leaders lead.
[8:30] 8. Peace is the only way.
[9:00] 9. Vote.
[9:45]10. Don’t give up.
Quotes
It always seems impossible until it’s done.
- Nelson Mandela
What could be more unjust than taking away the opportunity for future generations to inhabit a liveable world.
- Joan Gregerson
We humans are going to learn to live in harmony with nature or we’re going to fall away. It’s inevitable.
- Joan Gregerson
Resources:
- Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom (IMDB)
- If “Did Not Vote” Had Been A Candidate In The 2016 US Presidential Election, It Would Have Won By a Landslide (Brilliant Maps, November 2016)
- U.S. trails most developed countries in voter turnout (Pew Center, May 2018)
- Nelson Mandela Centre of Memory
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