____Mandela believed that the oppressed and the oppressor must be liberated. An oppressor is a prisoner of hatred. No one is free if he takes away someone else's freedom. So, he said that the oppressed and the oppressor alike are robbed of their humanity.

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Nelson Mandela on Humanity

Nelson Mandela, the former President of South Africa, was a renowned anti-apartheid activist who fought for the rights of the oppressed. He believed that the oppressor and oppressed were both robbed of humanity in different ways.

The Oppressor

The oppressor is the one who has power and authority over the oppressed. In the process of exerting their power, they become inhumane. Here's how:

- Loss of Empathy: The oppressor becomes desensitized to the pain and suffering of the oppressed. They become indifferent to the plight of those who are suffering under their rule.
- Dehumanization: The oppressor dehumanizes the oppressed by treating them as subhuman. They use derogatory and demeaning language to describe them, which strips them of their dignity and humanity.
- Loss of Morality: The oppressor loses their moral compass in the process of asserting their power. They become corrupt and engage in illegal and unethical activities to maintain their power.

The Oppressed

The oppressed are the ones who suffer under the rule of the oppressor. They are robbed of their humanity in the following ways:

- Loss of Dignity: The oppressed are treated as subhuman and are denied their basic human rights. This leads to a loss of dignity and self-respect.
- Loss of Agency: The oppressed are denied the freedom to make choices and decisions for themselves. They are forced to live according to the rules and regulations set by the oppressor.
- Loss of Hope: The oppressed lose hope for a better future. They are trapped in a cycle of poverty and oppression, which leads to a loss of hope and optimism.

The Way Forward

Nelson Mandela believed that the only way to restore humanity to both the oppressor and the oppressed was through reconciliation and forgiveness. He believed that by acknowledging the past and working towards a better future, both parties could regain their humanity.

In conclusion, Nelson Mandela's statement on the robbing of humanity of the oppressor and the oppressed highlights the devastating effects of oppression. It is essential to acknowledge the harm caused by oppression and work towards reconciliation and forgiveness to restore humanity to both parties.