Post hospitalization, wanted to spend some quality time alone to ponder, reflect, and think. Appreciative and eternally grateful for surviving my month-long illness, decided to “treat” myself to an activity which I rarely partake in.
Would you believe that I allowed myself an indulgence by going to the movies?
(Laugh out loud)
Anyway, like a starry-eyed kid in a candy store, I giddily opened the newspaper to review my array of cinematic choices. Predictably, knew right away that my “intellectual” side would probably lean heavily towards something, of course, that was “intellectually” stimulating.
Hands down, went to view “Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom.”
Riveting!
By now, each of you is aware of Nelson Mandela’s herculean struggles in protesting against the racist apartheid system in South Africa which, similarly to America, segregated and dispensed rights, privileges, and injustices based upon the “color” of one’s skin. This film also marvelously examined Mr. Mandela’s brutal treatment by the judiciary system and government, his years of being confined and imprisoned, his subsequent release from prison, and then his victorious election as South Africa’s first black president in 1994.
Stunning!
This motion picture also revealed other battles Mandela had to overcome which included the in-fighting that existed among the members of the African National Congress and the tragic demise of his loving relationship and marriage to his wife, Winnie, who was depicted as his tower of strength during his incarceration.
Compelling!
As a history junkie, one would have thought that I would be writing a commentary about the fascinating historical insights, heroism, and legacy of Nelson Mandela or how the white ruling class forged ill-conceived laws to dismantle every ounce of freedom and dignity against a majority black nation.
I thought so, too!
Whew. However, the story line that captivated me the most was the revelation that during the darkest years of Mandela’s imprisonment; Winnie, who was once a shy political novice transformed into a raw, powerful, influential, provocative, electrified, and acclaimed revolutionary figure.
Courageous!
Paradoxically, as her political fortunes took a meteoric climb, sadly her personal life with Mandela suffered because her womanly vulnerabilities had “tilted” which led to her political ouster, public humiliation, and sorrowful disgrace.
Unfortunate!
While under the racist cloud of apartheid where the white-minority controlled government notoriously meted a litany of terroristic brutalities upon her, Winnie’s emotional wounds widen as she endured the government’s harassment. Although she gallantly tried to sustain some normalcy for her family, the nearly 30-year absence from the daily warmth, protection, support, tenderness, and then ultimately the intimate affections from her soul mate tested her moxie and feminineness.
Predictably, their relationship got into trouble from a lack of care and attention. Thus, the movie audience should not be alarmed or judgmental to learn that Winnie “tilted” and became susceptible to extramarital affairs.
Putting aside any criminality that Mrs. Mandela was also accused of orchestrating, I became deeply empathetic about her emotional plight and given the same set of circumstances, I am willing to bet I would have succumbed to some sexual dalliances, too!
Wouldn’t you?
Life has shown me whether its Bill and Hillary or Nelson and Winnie, regardless of the couple, a relationship that suffers from a lack of intimacy, dashed passion, prolonged neglect, subpar romance, and emotional distance often becomes a breeding ground for “tilting.”
Perhaps this will be “easier said than done,” but learned a valuable lesson as a result from viewing this film. No longer will I have a “holier than thou” attitude as it pertains to “extramarital attraction” and “extramarital affairs” because I gained a greater understanding of how an abandoned and an unfulfilled relationship can easily “tilt” one’s fidelity.
Lastly, have a greater respect and appreciation for how Mr. Mandela handled the complex decision to dissolve his marriage with grace, dignity, and finesse.
He knew, if the relationship “tilts,” abandon ship!
