The Dark Years

           After reading "The Dark Years" by Nelson Mandela, I realized that a political prisoner not only lost their freedom, they were also abused by the warders. They were forced to work in utter silence. Moreover, they were given short trousers to wear, signifying that they were “boys” and not men. Furthermore, they were given distasteful, nearly inedible food to eat once every day. They were treated like animals. These show that the white man was so cruel at that time.

           Quoted from Mandela's line “the racial divide on Robben Island was absolute: there were no black warders, and no white prisoners”. This was so unfair.  Racism does exist even though inside the prison. Thus, the black man are forced to fight for injustice in every aspect of his life.

          In my opinion,  this autobiography should be introduced to our students. Let them understand that we have no right to judge or discriminate people with their races, religions or skin colours.  Although they were political prisoners, they did not deserve to be treated the way they were, they were just strive for equal rights. We, human beings have equal rights to be respected. A peaceful society starts from respecting each other equally.