Why does Mandela address freedom as 'newborn baby'?
Mandela addresses freedom as a 'newborn baby' because of the following reasons:
1. Freedom was new and unfamiliar to South Africans
After years of apartheid, South Africans were unfamiliar with the concept of freedom. It was something that they had never experienced before. Just like a newborn baby is new to the world, freedom was new to South Africans. They had to learn how to embrace it and make it a part of their lives.
2. Freedom needed to be nurtured and protected
Just like a newborn baby, freedom needed to be nurtured and protected. Mandela knew that freedom was fragile and could easily be lost if not taken care of properly. It was important for South Africans to understand that they had a responsibility to protect and preserve their newfound freedom.
3. Freedom was full of potential
Just like a newborn baby has endless potential, freedom was full of potential for South Africans. It was an opportunity for them to build a new and better country. Mandela believed that if they embraced their freedom and worked together, they could create a prosperous and peaceful nation.
4. Freedom needed to be celebrated
Just like a newborn baby is celebrated, freedom needed to be celebrated by South Africans. It was a momentous occasion that deserved to be recognized and remembered. Mandela believed that by celebrating their freedom, South Africans could come together and build a sense of unity and pride in their country.
Overall, Mandela's comparison of freedom to a newborn baby was a powerful metaphor that captured the fragility, potential, and importance of freedom to South Africans.