Apartheid in Africa (Speech and Art)

In the early 1800's, the British took control of South Africa from the Dutch, and the racial segregation that imperialism created grew into the apartheid movement. In 1948, the National Party took control of the government and began enforcing policies of racial segregation. This was called apartheid, which means "the state of being apart." Black people could not marry white people, and the different races even had to live apart from each other. The policies were enforced with violence and lasted into the 1990s. Several anti-apartheid leaders rose up during this time and spoke out against the violent segregation occurring in South Africa. In 1994, South Africa held the country's first democratic elections with people of all color having the ability to vote.

Speech

Rhetoric is the ability to persuade another person to agree with certain ideas or beliefs. Aristotle, a philosopher, coined the three means of persuasion. Speeches typically employ these means of persuasion in order to win the audience. The three types of persuasion are: ethos, pathos, and logos.

Ethos: The term "ethos" comes from the Greek word meaning character. Before beginning a speech, a speaker must establish credibility and authority with an audience. In order to establish credibility, a speaker might begin a speech by providing his or her background or knowledge in the subject area. Also, providing information about oneself can establish credibility by letting people know who you are.
Pathos: The term "pathos" comes from the Greek word meaning suffering. A speaker will attempt to appeal to the emotions of the audience in order to persuade them. Often, the use of metaphors and other literary devices can create a clear picture for the audience to become emotionally charged regarding the situation.

Logos: The term "logos" comes from the Greek word meaning logic. Logic can be accomplished by using proof and reasoning to support claims. Speakers can use specific data points in order to persuade the audience using logos.

About the Author

Oliver Tambo was born in South Africa in 1917. He was a prominent leader in the Anti-Apartheid movement of South Africa, and he was actually expelled from his university, along with Nelson Mandela, for going on strike. He played a large role in the African National Congress (ANC) and used his life to change the laws of Apartheid and create equality in South Africa.

Reading Assignment: Speech

It is now time to read a speech by Oliver Tambo. Download the speech by Oliver Tambo. The speech was to promote the Anti-Apartheid movement. As you read, note how the theme of corruption comes into play. Also, notice how Tambo uses ethos, pathos, and logos to persuade his listeners.

Rhetoric Interactivity

After reading and understanding the meaning of the Tambo's speech, practice your understanding of how he uses rhetoric. Determine whether the following phrases are examples of ethos, pathos, or logos in order to validate Tambo's argument. Click on the Feedback button to learn more.

The Art of Apartheid

With issues of injustice, people fight back in any way they can. For many people, this meant creating various forms of art to raise awareness for the cause of abolishing apartheid. Along with art, propaganda surfaced that was intended to sway people to see how apartheid was wrong.

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